Joel Embiid Signs 4-Year $196M Super-Max Extension
Joel Embiid signed a 4-year $196M super-max extension with the Philadelphia 76ers on August 17, 2021. This deal will keep him in Philadelphia through the 2026-27 season.
The 27-year-old Embiid was NBA MVP runner-up this season to Denver's Nikola Jokic and led the Sixers to the best regular-season record in the Eastern Conference.
Embiid averaged 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds last season and became eligible for the NBA's super-max extension. He played through a knee injury during the playoffs.
Embiid's new deal will start in 2023-24. He previously signed a $148 million, five-year extension that kicked in with the 2018-19 season.
The Sixers tweeted a photo of Embiid and team owner Josh Harris with the contract that said, "Joel Embiid isn't going anywhere." Josh Harris said, "Joel is the definition of elite: a role model in our community and a true MVP-calibre superstar on the court."
Embiid averaged 24.8 points and 11.3 rebounds over his first five seasons in the NBA. He scored a postseason career-high 36 points in 28 minutes in a Game 3 first-round win over Washington.
Embiid has solidified his future in Philly at the same time fellow All-Star guard Ben Simmons faces an uncertain one with the team. Embiid joined Hall of Famers Shaquille O'Neal and David Robinson as the only players in NBA history to average at least 24 points and 11 rebounds in their first 260 games.
Embiid has 173 double-doubles, which ranks second all-time in franchise history since the 1983-84 season. Among players who have debuted since 1954-55, Embiid is the NBA's all-time leader in points per 36 minutes.
The deal is a significant commitment to Embiid, who has been the face of the franchise since his arrival in 2014. He was the No. 3 overall pick out of Kansas in the 2014 draft.
Embiid's injury history has been a concern, but he has shown his ability to play through pain and perform at a high level. He tore cartilage in his right knee during the playoffs but continued to play.
The 76ers are hoping that Embiid's extension will be a key factor in their pursuit of a championship. They have a strong core of players, including Embiid and Tobias Harris, and are looking to build on their success from last season.
Embiid's contract extension is a significant milestone in his career, and it solidifies his position as one of the top players in the NBA. He is a dominant force on the court, and his ability to score and rebound makes him a valuable asset to the 76ers.
The 76ers' decision to extend Embiid's contract is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the team. He has been a key player for the franchise, and his extension will help to ensure that he remains a part of the team for years to come.
Embiid's future is bright, and his contract extension is just the beginning. He has the potential to become one of the all-time greats in the NBA, and his extension will give him the opportunity to achieve his goals and lead the 76ers to a championship.