Joel Embiid Extends Commitment to Philadelphia 76ers with Blockbuster Contract
The Philadelphia 76ers have secured their cornerstone player for the foreseeable future. Joel Embiid has signed a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million, ensuring he remains with the team through the 2028-29 season. This new deal will see Embiid pocket an estimated $299.5 million over the next five years, pushing his career earnings past the $500 million mark if he exercises his player option for the final year of the contract.
Committed to the Process
Embiid, now 29, has intertwined his career with the city of Philadelphia, emphasizing his desire to remain a Sixer for life. “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!” said Embiid, expressing his deep connection with the team and its fans.
The new extension does more than just bolster Embiid’s bank account. It reflects the franchise's unyielding belief in their star player, despite recent playoff disappointments. Joel Embiid has had a storied journey, from being drafted as a 20-year-old from Cameroon to becoming an integral part of the 76ers' DNA. "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," said 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris.
Turning Down Options for a Bigger Deal
One of the interesting aspects of the new contract is Embiid turning down a player option worth $59 million for the 2026-27 season, yet he will earn a slightly higher $59.3 million that season under the new deal. His salary will then rise to an estimated $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season, with a player option valued at approximately $69.1 million for the 2028-29 season.
In the past season, Embiid showcased why he deserves every penny of his new deal, averaging an impressive 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, while maintaining a usage rate of 38.7%. His performance reaffirmed his status as one of the league's elite talents. He has been named to seven All-Star Games, five All-NBA teams, and three All-Defensive teams. Adding even more to his résumé, he recently won a gold medal with Team USA at the Olympics in Paris.
Building a Championship Contender
This offseason, the 76ers have not just focused on retaining Embiid but have aggressively upgraded their roster. They committed significant future salaries, approximately $715 million, to build a championship-caliber team. Paul George has joined the squad on a four-year max deal, and Tyrese Maxey has been locked in with a five-year max deal. These investments underline the organization’s all-in approach to contending.
The support cast around Embiid and other core players also saw significant enhancements. The 76ers added talent across the board, including Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. Returning familiar faces like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry add depth and experience, while K.J. Martin re-signed on a contract designed as a trade asset near the deadline, showing the front office's strategic foresight.
"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," remarked Harris, highlighting the broader impact of Embiid’s presence both on and off the court.
Looking back, since the 2017-18 campaign, only perennial powerhouses like the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets have won more games than the 76ers. However, advancing past the second round of the playoffs remains an elusive goal. With Joel Embiid at the helm and bolstered by a fortified roster, the 76ers hope to change their narrative and deliver the championship their star believes the city deserves.
Embiid remains grateful for the support and belief the organization and fans have shown him over the years. “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. 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 expressed.
The journey continues for Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers, with hopes and expectations soaring higher than ever. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on whether this fortified squad can finally break through and bring an NBA Championship to a city that lives and breathes basketball.