The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid have solidified their future together with the announcement of a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million. This new agreement ensures that Embiid, a cornerstone for the franchise, will remain in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 season, concluding what has already been a storied tenure with the team.
The extension, which keeps Embiid in his adopted city until he is 35 years old, includes a player option for the final year. This clause offers Embiid both security and flexibility as he navigates the latter part of his career. Turning down a $59 million player option for the 2026-27 season, Embiid's new deal will instead see him earning an estimated $59.3 million during that same period, with his salary escalating to $64.3 million in 2027-28. Should he pick up the player option for the 2028-29 season, it will be valued at approximately $69.1 million, potentially bringing his career earnings to over half a billion dollars. Over the next five years alone, Embiid's earnings are projected to amount to $299.5 million.
Reflecting on his impact, Embiid stated, "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!" His bond with the fans and community has been a hallmark of his tenure in Philadelphia, as evidenced by his continuing commitment to the franchise.
Embiid's loyalty and performance have made him one of the most revered figures in recent 76ers history. "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," remarked Josh Harris, the Managing Partner of the 76ers. Harris's sentiments echo those of the entire organization, which views Embiid not only as a star player but as an integral part of their quest for an NBA Championship.
Across his career, Embiid's on-court achievements speak volumes about his elite status. Last season, the dominant center posted averages of 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%. These impressive numbers underscore his value on both ends of the floor, contributing significantly to his seven All-Star Game appearances, five All-NBA team selections, and three All-Defensive team honors.
Reflecting on his journey, Embiid noted, "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." His gratitude is reciprocated by a fanbase that has seen him grow from a promising 20-year-old draft pick from Cameroon into one of the NBA's marquee players.
In addition to securing Embiid's future, the 76ers have been active in building a competitive roster around him. This offseason, the team signed Paul George to a four-year max deal and locked in Tyrese Maxey with a five-year max contract, bringing the franchise's total commitment to these three players to approximately $715 million in future salaries. Complementing these marquee signings, the 76ers have added depth by signing Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. The team also brought back Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, and re-signed K.J. Martin to a contract designed as a trade asset near the deadline.
The 76ers' recent moves underscore their determination to break their postseason drought. Despite regularly finishing among the top teams in the league – only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets have won more games since the 2017-18 campaign – they have struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs. With Embiid anchoring the roster and a bolstered lineup, the organization and its fans have renewed hopes for an NBA Championship.
Embiid's transformative journey from Cameroon to the NBA epitomizes both personal and professional success. As he reflected, "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." His dedication to the city and its fans remains unwavering as he looks forward to what the future holds for him and the franchise.
"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 declared, emphasizing his commitment to leading the team to the pinnacle of the basketball world.
With Joel Embiid at the helm, Philadelphia's dream of an NBA Championship feels nearer than ever. His continued presence promises not just incredible individual performances but also the hope of collective glory.