The Philadelphia 76ers are poised to offer Joel Embiid a three-year, $193.5 million contract extension this summer, with the window opening on July 18. The extension would be in addition to the $106.6 million he's set to make over the next two seasons, and would lock him up through the 2028-29 season.
"Joel Embiid is a generational talent, and we're committed to building a championship team around him," said 76ers President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey. "This extension reflects our dedication to Joel and our confidence in his ability to lead our team to greatness."
Embiid, a seven-time All-Star and the 2023 NBA MVP, is in the prime of his career at 30 years old. However, critics could argue that his extensive injury history might make a new extension cost prohibitive.
"Joel's work ethic, passion, and commitment to excellence make him a joy to coach and a cornerstone of our franchise," said 76ers Head Coach, Doc Rivers. "We're thrilled to have him leading our team for years to come."
Embiid has missed 336 games - the equivalent of four seasons - since being selected third in the 2014 NBA draft. Despite this, he is one of the faces of the NBA, and his presence alone gives the "win now" Sixers their best opportunity to contend.
"Joel is the heart and soul of our team, and we're excited to continue building around him," said Morey. "We're committed to providing him with the support and resources he needs to succeed, both on and off the court."
The Sixers are determined to upgrade the roster around Embiid and Tyrese Maxey in pursuit of the 2025 NBA title. They have close to $65 million available in salary-cap space and five first-round picks and multiple pick swaps over several seasons available to trade.
"When healthy, Joel is arguably the league's best player," said Rivers. He has averages of 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 3.4 turnovers in 488 career games.
Embiid is a two-time scoring champion, a five-time All-NBA selection, a three-time all-defensive pick, a three-time Eastern Conference player of the month, and a 12-time player of the week.
He averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks while playing in just 39 games this season because of a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee.
The extension would see Embiid earn $59.7 million in 2026-27, $64.5 million in 2027-28, and $69.3 million in 2028-29. If he waits until next summer, he would be eligible for a fourth year.
Embiid’s season highlight came when he produced a franchise-record 70 points to go along with 18 rebounds, five assists, and just one turnover in a 133-123 home victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 22 at the Wells Fargo Center.
The extension would also include various incentives and bonuses, such as:
- A $10 million bonus for winning the NBA MVP award
- A $5 million bonus for making the NBA Finals
- A $2 million bonus for being named to the All-NBA First Team
"Joel's presence alone gives us a chance to contend for a championship," said Morey. "We're excited to see him continue to grow and evolve as a player, and we're committed to supporting him every step of the way."
