Joel Embiid Secures His Future in Philadelphia with Three-Year, $193 Million Extension
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has inked a lucrative three-year max contract extension worth $193 million, ensuring his presence in the City of Brotherly Love through the 2028-29 NBA season. This extension includes a player option for the final year, allowing Embiid some flexibility as his career progresses.
By the conclusion of this deal, the dominating big man will be 35 years old, a testament to his enduring value to the franchise. Remarkably, Embiid turned down a $59 million player option for the 2026-27 season, only to secure an estimated $59.3 million for the same period under the terms of his new deal. His salary is projected to increase further, reaching an estimated $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season, with the player option for the 2028-29 season valued at approximately $69.1 million.
Should Embiid choose to exercise his player option, his total career earnings will surpass the $500 million milestone, a significant achievement reflecting both his skill and marketability. Over the next five years alone, the Cameroonian star is set to earn an estimated $299.5 million.
Continuing Excellence on the Court
Joel Embiid's past season figures were nothing short of spectacular. He averaged 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, dominating both ends of the court. With a usage rate of 38.7%, his importance to the team’s offensive schemes was visibly paramount.
Embiid's career statistics include seven All-Star Game appearances, five All-NBA selections, and three All-Defensive Team honors, indicating his dual prowess. Notably, he also brought home a gold medal with Team USA at the recent Olympic Games in Paris, further solidifying his status as one of the top players in the world.
"Philadelphia is home," Embiid stated. "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 deep-rooted connection to the city is evident, making this extension a natural progression for both player and franchise.
Revamped Roster and High Aspirations
This offseason, the 76ers have been equally busy enhancing their roster around Embiid. They signed Paul George to a four-year max deal and secured Tyrese Maxey on a five-year max contract. These moves, combined with Embiid’s extension, align the 76ers for a strong, competitive future, with approximately $715 million committed to these three stars.
In addition, the team has added key players such as Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. They also re-signed Kelly Oubre Jr. and veteran Kyle Lowry, while K.J. Martin was brought back on a deal structured to be a tradable asset near the deadline.
"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 Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris. He continued, "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."
The 76ers' commitment is clear: they are building a team not just to compete but to dominate. Although the team has not advanced past the second round of the playoffs in recent seasons, their consistently strong regular season performance places them among the elite in the league since the 2017-18 campaign, only trailing the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets in terms of victories.
Embiid, who was drafted by the 76ers as a raw but promising 20-year-old from Cameroon, has indeed found his professional home. "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 reflected. His journey has seen him evolve from a talented hopeful to a bona fide superstar central to Philadelphia's NBA aspirations.
"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," concluded Embiid. With this extension, both the player and the franchise look ahead to a future aimed at securing that elusive NBA championship, a title that Embiid believes the Philadelphia community truly deserves.