In a monumental commitment to their star player, the Philadelphia 76ers have secured Joel Embiid with a three-year max contract extension worth a staggering $193 million. This deal will keep the Cameroonian-born center, often referred to as one of the most dynamic players in the NBA, with the franchise through the 2028-29 season.
Embiid, who will be 35 years old by the end of this contract, has firmly planted his roots in Philadelphia. "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 expressed with palpable emotion. "There is a lot more work to do. You guys deserve a championship and I think we're just getting started!"
This extension not only guarantees an estimated $59.3 million salary for the 2026-27 season, which is a slight uptick from the $59 million he turned down as a player option, but it also ensures incremental increases culminating at approximately $69.1 million for the 2028-29 season if Embiid opts into the final year. Should he do so, his total career earnings will surpass the $500 million mark, a testament to his talent and value in the league.
The Sixers, who have invested heavily in their roster this offseason, appear poised for a significant push in their quest for an NBA championship. The franchise has committed around $715 million in future salaries to cornerstone players including Embiid, newly signed Paul George on a four-year max deal, and Tyrese Maxey, who has been secured for five years. "Joel is a great family man, leader, and person," said Managing Partner Josh Harris. "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."
Embiid’s impact on the court is undeniable. Last season, he averaged an impressive 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. His usage rate of 38.7% underscores his importance to the team's offensive strategy. Despite these stellar individual accomplishments and seven All-Star Game appearances, Embiid's fervent hope is to deliver a championship to the passionate Philadelphia fanbase.
In addition to locking down Embiid, the Sixers have broadly bolstered their lineup, adding Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. They've also brought back veterans Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry while re-signing K.J. Martin to a strategically designed contract meant to be a trade asset near the deadline.
However, the team has struggled to progress beyond the second round of the playoffs in recent years despite being among the most successful regular-season teams since the 2017-18 campaign. Only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets have recorded more wins during this period. The addition of an experienced and versatile player like Paul George, along with the commitment shown to retain key players like Embiid and Maxey, signifies the franchise's determination to break that playoff barrier.
Embiid’s journey from a 20-year-old draftee out of Cameroon to one of the most revered players in the league is a testament to his dedication and the Philadelphia community's unwavering support. "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," Embiid reflected. His sentiment is echoed by the organization’s leadership. Harris remarked, “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."
Joel Embiid’s commitment to Philadelphia transcends financial and contractual obligations. His genuine connection to the city and its fans underlines his desire to achieve greatness alongside them. "I started a Sixer and want to be right here for the rest of my career," Embiid said. "I had no idea when I was drafted as a 20-year-old kid from Cameroon how lucky I was to be in Philadelphia."
As the 76ers prepare for the upcoming season, fortified by fresh talent and strengthened by the bonds of their established players, they appear ready to chase their championship aspirations with renewed vigor. Embiid closed with a promise, "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."