Joel Embiid's Max Contract Extension Secures His Future with the Philadelphia 76ers
In a monumental move, the Philadelphia 76ers have locked in their franchise centerpiece, Joel Embiid, with a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million. This extension will keep Embiid in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 season, ensuring that the team’s core remains intact. The final year of the deal includes a player option, giving Embiid the choice to continue with the 76ers or explore other opportunities.
The decision to extend comes on the heels of Embiid turning down a substantial $59 million player option for the 2026-27 season. Under the new terms, his salary for that same year will increase slightly to an estimated $59.3 million. Following this, his earnings will rise to about $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season and potentially reach $69.1 million if he opts into his player option for the 2028-29 season. Should he decide to pick up the option, Embiid’s career earnings would surpass the $500 million mark, highlighting what has been an illustrious and financially rewarding career.
At the end of this extension, Embiid will be 35 years old, a testament to the 76ers’ faith in his longevity and continued performance. His recent stats certainly back this confidence; last season, Embiid averaged a phenomenal 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, figures that reflect his all-around impact on the court. With a usage rate of 38.7%, he has solidified his role as the primary offensive force for the team.
Embiid's accolades are nothing short of impressive. He has been named to seven All-Star Games, five All-NBA teams, and three All-Defensive Teams, establishing himself as one of the elite players in the league. Additionally, Embiid recently added an Olympic gold medal with Team USA to his collection of achievements, further cementing his reputation on both national and international stages.
“Philadelphia is home. I want to be here for the rest of my career,” said Embiid. “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!”
The sentiment is echoed by the franchise's leadership. “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 Josh Harris, Managing Partner of the Philadelphia 76ers. Harris emphasized not only Embiid’s skill but also his character, referring to him as a great family man and leader.
Complementing Embiid’s extension, the 76ers have made other significant roster moves this offseason. The team signed Paul George to a four-year max deal and secured Tyrese Maxey with a five-year max contract. These moves, along with Embiid’s extension, commit approximately $715 million in future salaries to this star trio. The organization has also added valuable depth, signing players like Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. Moreover, the 76ers have brought back Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, and strategically re-signed K.J. Martin to potentially serve as a trade asset as the season progresses.
Joel Embiid’s journey with the Philadelphia 76ers began when he was drafted as a 20-year-old from Cameroon. His connection to the city and fans has only grown stronger 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,” Embiid shared. His commitment to Philadelphia is unwavering, as he stated, “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.”
Despite consistent regular-season success, only Milwaukee, Boston, and Denver have won more games than the 76ers since the 2017-18 campaign. However, the team has struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs. With Embiid's extension and the bolstering of the roster, the franchise is clearly making moves to break that barrier.
As Embiid put it, “Philadelphia is home and it’s time to bring this community an NBA championship." The 76ers and their fans share this vision, with hopes that these strategic moves this offseason will translate to playoff success and, ultimately, the long-awaited championship.