Joel Embiid Secures 3-Year, $193 Million Contract Extension with the Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP and an Olympic gold medalist, has signed a 3-year, $193 million contract extension, securing his future with the team through the end of the decade. The deal includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, according to sources.

Embiid, 30, who has expressed his desire to stay with the franchise for the rest of his career, shared the news on Instagram with a photo of him signing the contract alongside 76ers owner Josh Harris. In his post, Embiid reaffirmed his commitment to Philadelphia:

Already a seven-time NBA All-Star, Embiid remains in the second year of a $196 million extension he signed in 2021. This new deal makes him the third key player to secure a major contract with the 76ers this offseason. Paul George, lured from the Los Angeles Clippers, signed a four-year, $212 million contract, while Tyrese Maxey, the NBA’s Most Improved Player, agreed to a five-year, $204 million extension.

The franchise is counting on this new "Big Three" to compete for an NBA title, a feat the Sixers haven't achieved since 1983.

Despite his impressive accolades—including five All-NBA Team honors, three All-Defensive Team selections, and two NBA scoring titles—Embiid has yet to lead the 76ers past the second round of the playoffs. He’s also struggled with injuries throughout his career, never playing more than 68 games in a season. Last season, he averaged 34.7 points but played in only 39 games.

Team owner Josh Harris lauded Embiid’s legacy, calling him “one of the greatest Sixers of all time” and essential to the franchise’s championship aspirations. Harris added,

Drafted third overall by the 76ers in 2014, Embiid’s career has been marked by significant achievements. In 433 games, all of which he started, Embiid has averaged 27.9 points on 50.4% shooting, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.7 blocked shots per game. He ranks first in franchise history in scoring average (27.9 PPG) and holds top-five spots in blocked shots, triple-doubles, and total points scored.

Off the court, Embiid’s journey is equally remarkable. Born in Cameroon, he began playing basketball as a teenager after a friend pointed out that his 7-foot frame would be better suited for basketball than soccer. Embiid was scouted at a basketball camp in Yaoundé by fellow Cameroonian and NBA veteran Luc Mbah a Moute, who helped him move to the U.S. to pursue his career. Despite missing his first two NBA seasons due to injuries, Embiid has risen to become one of the most dominant big men in the league.

With a new contract in hand and a determined mindset, Embiid remains focused on delivering a long-awaited NBA title to Philadelphia. As he stated,