NBA superstar Joel Embiid has agreed to a lucrative contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, solidifying his long-term future with the franchise. The deal is valued at an estimated $193 million, making Embiid one of the highest-paid players in the league.
NBA superstar Joel Embiid has inked a historic contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, solidifying his long-term future with the franchise. The deal is worth an estimated $193 million, according to multiple reports, and cements Embiid's status as one of the league's most dominant players.
The center has emerged as a force in the NBA, winning the league MVP award following his standout 2023 season. He also captured a gold medal with Team USA at the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The extension includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, sources told The Associated Press.
Joel Embiid Inks Historic Extension, Committing to Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid, a seven-time NBA All-Star, expressed his excitement about the new contract on social media. "I want to be here the rest of my career," Embiid wrote on Friday. "I love this community and everything you've given me and my family."
The extension is part of the 76ers' aggressive offseason strategy, which has seen them lock up three cornerstone players. The team recently persuaded Paul George to leave the Los Angeles Clippers and sign a four-year, $212 million contract, while the NBA's Most Improved Player last season, Tyrese Maxey, was rewarded with a five-year, $204 million extension.
Joel Embiid Inks Historic Extension, Committing to Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia has now committed more than $400 million in salary to these two players, signaling their aspirations to dethrone the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics. The Sixers have not won an NBA title since 1983.
However, Embiid does have a history of injuries and has yet to lead the franchise past the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. He has never played more than 68 games in a season and averaged 34.7 points in just 39 games last season.
Joel Embiid Inks Historic Extension, Committing to Philadelphia 76ers
Despite these concerns, Philadelphia believes Embiid is integral to their championship hopes. "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," said team owner 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."
In 433 games with the franchise, Embiid has averaged 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 blocked shots per game. He ranks first in team history in scoring average (27.9 points per game), fifth in blocked shots (720), tied for sixth in triple-doubles (seven), and seventh in total points scored (12,071).
"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 said in a team statement. "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."
The Philadelphia 76ers are optimistic that with Embiid leading the charge, they can end their long championship drought and bring an NBA title back to the City of Brotherly Love.
