Joel Embiid Secures Future in Philadelphia with Max Contract Extension
Joel Embiid has reaffirmed his commitment to the Philadelphia 76ers by signing a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million. This deal not only underscores the Sixers' dedication to their franchise player but also keeps Embiid in Philadelphia through the 2028-29 season, at which point he will be 35 years old.
Embiid's new contract includes a player option for the final year, giving the superstar some flexibility toward the latter stages of his career. By opting into this final year, Embiid's earnings from the team would peak at approximately $69.1 million for the 2028-29 season, pushing his total career NBA earnings past the $500 million mark.
In a notable decision, Embiid turned down a $59 million player option for the 2026-27 season under his previous contract, opting instead for the stability and increased financial rewards provided by the extension. Under the new terms, he will make an estimated $59.3 million in the 2026-27 season, with his salary rising to $64.3 million in the 2027-28 season.
Reflecting on his extended stay in Philadelphia, Embiid expressed his heartfelt connection to the city and its fans. "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.
The Process, as Embiid is affectionately known, has had a decorated career with the Sixers since being drafted as a 20-year-old from Cameroon. His statistics from last season demonstrate his immense value to the team: he averaged 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game, while maintaining a high usage rate of 38.7%. His efforts on both ends of the court have earned him seven All-Star appearances, five All-NBA team selections, and three All-Defensive team selections.
"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 76ers Managing Partner Josh Harris. Harris highlighted Embiid's leadership both on and off the court, noting, "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."
Beyond Embiid's individual accolades, the 76ers have made significant moves to bolster their roster this offseason. The team signed Paul George to a four-year max deal and secured Tyrese Maxey with a five-year max deal. These signings, along with Embiid's extension, represent a considerable financial commitment, with approximately $715 million allocated to future salaries for these three cornerstone players.
Additionally, the Sixers have added a host of other talents, including Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele. The return of familiar faces like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry, along with the re-signing of K.J. Martin to a strategic contract designed for potential trade value, rounds out a robust offseason for the franchise.
Despite the team's regular season success – only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets have won more games than the Sixers since the 2017-18 season – Philadelphia has struggled to advance past the second round of the playoffs in recent years. The hope is that the new roster additions, combined with Embiid's continued dominance, will finally propel the team to deeper postseason success and end the city's long wait for an NBA championship.
Embiid remains optimistic about the future and the potential for glory. His recent gold medal victory with Team USA at the Olympics in Paris is a testament to his competitive drive and aspirations. "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, reflecting the singular focus that now drives the franchise.