Joel Embiid Commits to Philadelphia with Three-Year Max Extension
Joel Embiid has reaffirmed his commitment to the Philadelphia 76ers by signing a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million. This extension ensures his place in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 season, securing a vital piece of the team's core.
By the end of this extension, Embiid will be 35 years old. The contract also includes a player option for the final year, valued at approximately $69.1 million. Embiid's decision to turn down a previous player option worth $59 million for the 2026-27 season underlines his long-term vision with the team. Under the new terms, he will earn an estimated $59.3 million in the 2026-27 season and $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season.
Should Embiid choose to exercise his player option for the 2028-29 season, his total career earnings will surpass the $500 million mark. Over the next five years, he's set to earn an estimated $299.5 million.
An Elite Player Statistics and Accolades
Embiid's contribution to the 76ers is undeniable. Last season, he averaged an impressive 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, with a usage rate of 38.7%. His performance has earned him significant recognition, including seven All-Star selections, five All-NBA team honors, and three All-Defensive team selections.
Beyond the NBA, Embiid recently clinched a gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics in Paris, further cementing his status as one of the premier players of his generation.
Building a Championship-Contending Team
This offseason, the 76ers made substantial moves to bolster their roster. Alongside Embiid's extension, notable signings include Paul George, who agreed to a four-year max deal, and Tyrese Maxey, who secured a five-year max deal. Together, these deals commit approximately $715 million in future salaries to the trio of Embiid, George, and Maxey.
Additional roster enhancements feature Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. The team also re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, and brought back K.J. Martin on a contract designed to be a trade asset near the deadline.
Such strategic moves are part of a broader effort to position the 76ers as a formidable force in the NBA. Since the 2017-18 season, only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets have recorded more wins than the 76ers. However, overcoming their recent struggles to advance past the second round of the playoffs remains a primary goal.
Embiid’s Deep Connection to Philadelphia
Joel Embiid has often expressed his profound connection to the city of Philadelphia. "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. There is a lot more work to do. You guys deserve a championship and I think we're just getting started!" Embiid emphasized upon the announcement of his extension.
His gratitude towards the city and its fans was evident when he said, "Through all the ups and downs, this city and the fans have been everything, and I am so grateful for how they've embraced me." Embiid's journey from being drafted as a 20-year-old from Cameroon to becoming one of the greatest 76ers of all time is a testament to his talent and dedication.
Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris echoed these sentiments, stating, "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."
Highlighting Embiid's unique qualities, Harris added, "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 own reflection on his journey and future with the team further underscores his commitment: "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." He added, "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."
The future certainly looks promising for the Philadelphia 76ers, with Joel Embiid leading the charge towards an NBA Championship.