Joel Embiid Signs Landmark Extension with the Philadelphia 76ers
In a move that cements his legacy with the franchise, Joel Embiid has signed a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million with the Philadelphia 76ers. This extension will keep the star center in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 season. By the end of his contract, Embiid will be 35 years old, marking a significant chapter in his illustrious career.
The deal features a player option for the final year, valued at approximately $69.1 million. Embiid's decision to turn down a player option worth $59 million for the 2026-27 season is a testament to his commitment to the team and his confidence in their future. Under the new extension, he stands to earn an estimated $59.3 million for the 2026-27 season, with his salary increasing to an estimated $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season.
“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 said. “There is a lot more work to do. You guys deserve a championship and I think we're just getting started!"
This extension positions Embiid within an elite echelon of NBA earnings. If he picks up his player option for the 2028-29 season, his total career earnings will surpass $500 million. Over the next five years alone, Embiid's estimated earnings amount to $299.5 million.
Embiid's recent performances have justified his massive contract. 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%. His dominance on both ends of the floor has been acknowledged with seven All-Star Game appearances, five All-NBA team selections, and three All-Defensive Team selections. Recently, Embiid added a prestigious gold medal to his accolades, winning with Team USA at the Olympics in Paris.
“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,” said Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris. “We're ecstatic that this extension keeps him and his family in Philadelphia for years to come.”
Building Around Embiid
The 76ers have been proactive this offseason, making significant moves to strengthen their roster. They signed Paul George to a four-year max deal and retained Tyrese Maxey with a five-year max contract. These commitments have resulted in the 76ers allocating approximately $715 million in future salaries to Embiid, George, and Maxey. Additionally, the team has added key players like Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele to bolster their lineup. The re-signings of Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, along with K.J. Martin on a trade asset-friendly contract, underscore the 76ers’ strategy to build a championship-contending team.
Despite their regular-season success—since the 2017-18 season, only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets have won more games—the 76ers have struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs. This hurdle remains a significant challenge for the team and its hopes of securing an NBA Championship.
Strengthening the team is a shared vision between Embiid and the management. “Joel is a great family man, leader, and person,” Harris remarked. “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.”
A Legacy in the Making
Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as a 20-year-old from Cameroon, Joel Embiid has grown into one of the premier players in the NBA. Now with this extension, he is poised to spend his prime years with the team that gave him his start. His connection to Philadelphia goes beyond the court, as he expressed gratitude towards the city and its fans. “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.”
Looking forward, Embiid's ambition remains unwavering. “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 said. “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.”
As the 76ers continue to build around their star player, the commitment to bringing a championship to Philadelphia is stronger than ever. With Embiid leading the charge, the franchise and its fans can look forward to a promising future.