Joel Embiid Secures Future with 76ers Through New $193 Million Contract Extension
Joel Embiid has reaffirmed his commitment to the Philadelphia 76ers by agreeing to a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million. This lucrative extension will keep the NBA superstar in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 season, during which he will turn 35 years old.
The new contract not only secures Embiid's presence in Philadelphia but also includes a player option for the final year, providing the star center with additional flexibility in his career. Initially turning down a $59 million player option for the 2026-27 season, Embiid will now earn an estimated $59.3 million that year under the terms of the new deal. His salary is set to rise to approximately $64.3 million for the 2027-28 season, with the player option for the 2028-29 season valued at around $69.1 million. Should he exercise this option, Embiid’s total career earnings will surpass the $500 million mark.
Reflecting on his journey and future with the team, Embiid expressed heartfelt gratitude and ambition. "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!" he said. Moreover, he added, "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."
An Impressive Legacy
Joel Embiid's influence on the court has been undeniable since he was drafted by the 76ers as a 20-year-old from Cameroon. Last season, he delivered an exceptional performance, averaging 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 extends to multiple accolades, including seven All-Star Game appearances, five All-NBA team selections, and three All-Defensive team selections. Recently, Embiid added an Olympic gold medal to his achievements with Team USA at the Games in Paris.
Philadelphia 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris praised Embiid's extraordinary impact on both the team and the league. "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 said. Further emphasizing Embiid's contribution, he 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."
Building a Championship Contender
This offseason, the 76ers have made significant moves to support their quest for an NBA Championship. In addition to locking in Embiid, the team signed notable names such as Paul George, who agreed to a four-year max deal, and Tyrese Maxey, who secured a five-year max contract. Combined with Embiid's extension, the 76ers have committed approximately $715 million in future salaries to these three key players.
The 76ers also bolstered their roster by adding Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele, while bringing back familiar faces Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry. This roster revamp displays a determined effort to complement Embiid's incredible talent and address the team's recent struggles to advance past the second round of the playoffs, despite their impressive regular-season performance. Since the 2017-18 campaign, only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets have won more games than the 76ers.
Keen to maximize their trade flexibility, the 76ers also re-signed K.J. Martin to a deal poised to be a trade asset near the deadline. Amid these changes, the team's core remains strong, and their aspirations are clear: bringing a championship to Philadelphia.
As Embiid considers his extended future with the 76ers, he remains grounded and grateful. "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," Embiid remarked. With the backing of ownership and the passionate support of the fans, Embiid looks to lead this rejuvenated team to new heights. "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," he concluded.