Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have reached an agreement on a remarkable three-year contract extension worth nearly $192.9 million. This deal, confirmed by sources close to the negotiations, includes a player option that could allow the 2022-23 NBA MVP to remain with the team until the end of the 2028-29 season, potentially bringing his total earnings to around $300 million. If realized, this would place Embiid among the most highly compensated players in NBA history, according to reports from ESPN and The Athletic.
With this extension, Embiid’s career earnings will soar to approximately $514.8 million, making him the fifth player to join the elite $500 million club, alongside NBA luminaries like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and fellow 76ers teammate Paul George. “I started as a Sixer and want to be right here for the rest of my career,” Embiid stated. “When I was drafted as a 20-year-old kid from Cameroon, I had no idea how fortunate I was to end up in Philadelphia.”
Embiid expressed deep gratitude for the city’s support throughout his journey, saying, “Through all the ups and downs, this city and the fans have been everything. I am so grateful for how they’ve embraced me. I want to thank Josh (Harris), David (Blitzer), and the entire organization. Philadelphia is home, and it’s time to bring this community an NBA championship.”
The Cameroon-born center has been a cornerstone of the 76ers since he was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. Despite missing a significant portion of the previous season due to a knee injury, Embiid showcased his extraordinary talent when he was on the court. He averaged an impressive 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. The 76ers posted a remarkable 31-8 record in the games that Embiid played.
This summer, Embiid also contributed to Team USA’s success, securing a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, further solidifying his status as one of the game’s elite players.
“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 76ers managing partner Josh Harris. “We’re ecstatic that this extension keeps him and his family in Philadelphia for years to come.”
Throughout his career, Embiid has made the All-NBA Team five times and has been selected as an All-Star for seven consecutive years. He was the NBA scoring champion for two seasons, in 2021-22 and 2022-23. While he has yet to capture an NBA championship, the upcoming season may present his best opportunity, as he will be teaming up with George and the NBA’s 2024 Most Improved Player, Tyrese Maxey.
As Embiid looks ahead, the anticipation builds for what he can achieve with a solid supporting cast and renewed commitment to the franchise. The 76ers are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the Eastern Conference, and fans are hopeful that this extension marks a pivotal moment in the pursuit of an elusive championship.
Embiid’s commitment to Philadelphia underscores not only his loyalty to the franchise but also his determination to bring a title to the City of Brotherly Love. With his impressive skill set and competitive drive, Embiid is poised to leave an indelible mark on the NBA and lead the 76ers to new heights in the coming seasons.