In a move that cements his legacy with the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid has secured a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million, keeping him with the franchise through the 2028-29 season. This significant extension showcases the mutual commitment between Embiid and the 76ers as both parties prepare for a future filled with high expectations.
The extension includes a player option for the final year, allowing Embiid the flexibility to make decisions about his future as he ages. By the end of the contract in 2029, Embiid will be 35 years old, a testament to his enduring presence in the NBA and with the 76ers.
Significantly, Embiid turned down a player option worth $59 million for the 2026-27 season under his previous deal, but his estimated earnings for the same season under the new contract slightly surpass that figure, coming in at $59.3 million. His salary is projected to increase to $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season, with the player option for the 2028-29 season valued at approximately $69.1 million. Should Embiid choose to pick up this option, his total career earnings will exceed the $500 million mark, reflecting his outstanding value and performance in the league.
"Philadelphia is home. I want to be here for the rest of my career. I love this community and everything you've given me and my family," Embiid expressed, reaffirming his dedication to the team and the city. "There is a lot more work to do. You guys deserve a championship, and I think we're just getting started!"
Embiid's new deal outlines an estimated $299.5 million in earnings over the next five years. This financial commitment is well-justified, given his stellar performance last season where he averaged 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. Additionally, his usage rate of 38.7% points to his central role in the team's strategy and success.
Having participated in seven All-Star Games, been selected for five All-NBA teams, and three All-Defensive Teams, Embiid's accolades speak volumes. His recent triumph, winning a gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics in Paris, further underscores his elite status on the global stage.
The 76ers are not relying solely on Embiid's talents to ensure their success. This offseason saw significant additions, including signing Paul George to a four-year max deal and Tyrese Maxey to a five-year max contract. These commitments highlight the team's strategy to build a robust roster capable of competing at the highest levels. The total future salaries committed to Embiid, George, and Maxey amount to approximately $715 million, depicting the franchise's dedication to creating a winning squad.
Further reinforcing their lineup, the 76ers have added Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson and Guerschon Yabusele to their roster. Returning to the team are Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, while K.J. Martin was re-signed with a contract structured to be trade-asset near the deadline.
Despite these robust roster enhancements, the 76ers remain focused on overcoming their playoff hurdles, as they have not advanced past the second round in recent seasons. Nonetheless, their regular-season performance has been commendable, with only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets winning more games since the 2017-18 campaign.
Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris praised Embiid's impact: "Joel has cemented himself as one of the greatest Sixers of all time and is well on his way to being one of the best players to ever play the game. We're ecstatic that this extension keeps him and his family in Philadelphia for years to come."
Harris continued, "Joel is a great family man, leader, and person. He is an elite two-way player with a combination of size, strength, and athleticism that this league has rarely – if ever – seen. He is integral to this franchise's quest for another NBA Championship, and we are honored that he continues to choose this organization as his NBA home."
Embiid's journey from being a 20-year-old draftee from Cameroon to one of the NBA's brightest stars has been remarkable. His gratitude to the 76ers and the city of Philadelphia is palpable. "I started a Sixer and want to be right here for the rest of my career. I had no idea when I was drafted as a 20-year-old kid from Cameroon how lucky I was to be in Philadelphia."
As the new season approaches, the 76ers and their fans are eager for what lies ahead. Embiid's heartfelt words reflect his determination to bring a championship to Philadelphia: "I want to thank Josh, David [Blitzer], and the entire organization. Philadelphia is home and it's time to bring this community an NBA championship."
With the core talents of Embiid, George, Maxey, and a strengthened roster, the 76ers appear poised to compete fiercely and chase their championship aspirations with renewed vigor.