In a major development for the Philadelphia 76ers, superstar center Joel Embiid has agreed to a three-year, $193 million max contract extension, ensuring his presence in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 season. This new extension will see Embiid earning significant raises over the coming years, solidifying his financial and professional commitment to the team and city he calls home.
Embiid, who will be 35 years old by the end of this extension, turned down a player option worth $59 million for the 2026-27 season. Instead, under his new contract, he will make an estimated $59.3 million for that same year, a slight increase. His salary is set to escalate to $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season, while the player option for the 2028-29 season is valued at approximately $69.1 million. If he decides to pick up that option, his total career earnings will surpass the remarkable half-billion mark.
The financial windfall isn't the only notable aspect of this deal. Embiid expressed a heartfelt connection to Philadelphia. "Philadelphia is home. I want to be here for the rest of my career," Embiid said. "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, drafted by the 76ers as a 20-year-old from Cameroon, has become one of the league's most dominant forces. Last season, he averaged 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%, all while leading his team with his elite two-way play. Throughout his career, Embiid has been selected for seven All-Star games, five All-NBA teams, and three All-Defensive teams. His outstanding play was pivotal as he recently helped Team USA secure a gold medal at the Olympics in Paris.
Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris praised Embiid's significance to the franchise: "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 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."
Embedding themselves firmly in the title contention mix, the 76ers have been busy this offseason, complementing Embiid's extension with significant roster moves. The Sixers committed approximately $715 million in future salaries to Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. George and Maxey inked their own lucrative deals, with George signing a four-year max deal and Maxey securing a five-year max contract. The organization also added depth by acquiring Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. Additionally, they re-signed versatile players like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry and brought back K.J. Martin, who has been signed to a contract designed to be a trade asset near the deadline.
Despite their impressive regular-season records in recent years, the 76ers have struggled get over the playoff hump. They have not advanced past the second round, an obstacle they are increasingly eager to overcome. Since the 2017-18 campaign, only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets have won more games than Philadelphia. This level of performance indicates a team on the brink; now, with these strategic roster enhancements and Embiid locked in, the Sixers aim to transform regular-season success into deep playoff runs and, ultimately, a championship.
Reflecting on his journey with the franchise, Embiid shared: "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." He continued, "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."
For a city yearning for another championship, Embiid’s words resonate deeply. "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," Embiid stated, capturing the shared ambition that he, his team, and the fans hold dear.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Philadelphia 76ers, a team poised with talent, fortified by star power, and united in their championship quest. With Joel Embiid leading the charge, 76ers fans have every reason to believe that their time is now.