In a monumental move that underscores their commitment to success, the Philadelphia 76ers have secured their talisman Joel Embiid for the foreseeable future. Embiid, a perennial MVP contender and one of the most dominant forces in the NBA, has inked a three-year max contract extension worth $193 million. This lucrative deal ensures that the charismatic Cameroonian center will call Philadelphia home through the 2028-29 season.
At the culmination of this extension, Joel Embiid will be 35 years old, and the contract features a player option valued at approximately $69.1 million for the final year. Notably, Embiid turned down a previous player option worth $59 million for the 2026-27 season, opting instead to secure an estimated $59.3 million under the new extension for that same year. By the 2027-28 season, his salary is projected to escalate to about $64.3 million.
"Philadelphia is home. I want to be here for the rest of my career," Embiid passionately remarked. "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 and its fans has been evident throughout his career. "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," he added, underscoring the reciprocity of this relationship.
Since Embiid's arrival in Philadelphia, he has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest Sixers of all time. A seven-time All-Star with five All-NBA team selections and three All-Defensive team nods, Embiid's accolades speak volumes. His impact on the court last season was undeniable, as he averaged 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 11.0 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. His staggering 38.7% usage rate underscores his central role in the team's offense.
The 76ers' Managing Partner, Josh Harris, lauded Embiid's accomplishments and leadership qualities. "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 stated. He continued to praise Embiid, saying, "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."
This extension is part of a broader commitment by the 76ers to build a championship-caliber team. This offseason, the franchise signed Paul George to a four-year max deal and secured Tyrese Maxey on a five-year max contract. The aggregate future salaries committed to Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey amount to approximately $715 million, signaling the 76ers' determination to assemble a formidable roster.
Complementing their star power, the 76ers have also added valuable depth and experience to their bench. Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson, and Guerschon Yabusele are among the new additions, while the team has brought back Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry. Additionally, K.J. Martin has been re-signed to a contract designed to serve as a potential trade asset near the deadline, providing future flexibility.
Despite the solid regular-season performances, which have seen the 76ers rank behind only the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Denver Nuggets in wins since the 2017-18 campaign, playoff success has eluded them. The team has repeatedly fallen short of advancing past the second round. This series of moves, highlighted by Embiid's extension and the bolstering of the roster, is clearly aimed at eradicating that narrative.
Joel Embiid's journey is a remarkable tale of resilience and growth. Drafted as a 20-year-old from Cameroon, he has evolved into an NBA powerhouse, celebrated for his prowess and personality. Embiid's affinity for Philadelphia remains strong, as he reiterates, "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's dedication to bringing a championship to Philadelphia resonates deeply with fans. "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." With this renewed commitment, the city of Philadelphia can harbor hopes of seeing their beloved 76ers ascend to the pinnacle of NBA success.