Joel Embiid isn't going anywhere. The four-time All-Star made a huge commitment to the city of Philadelphia, signing a four-year, $196 million supermax extension with the 76ers, sources have told ESPN. The deal will last until the 2026-27 season, ensuring the Sixers will have Embiid during his peak years.
That's great news for the Philly faithful who want to see their team bring home the championship soon. It has been 38 years since the Sixers last won an NBA title, and fans are beginning to become restless as their current crop of stars has underachieved lately.
After finishing with the best record in the Eastern Conference last season, many expected the Sixers to at least reach the conference finals they last achieved in 2001 when Allen Iverson was still with the team. They fell short of that stage, losing in seven games to the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Embiid shines for Sixers despite early playoff exit
While Ben Simmons shouldered most of the blame for the Sixers' early exit due to his erratic play in the series loss to the Hawks, Embiid tightened his grip on being the franchise's cornerstone during that short playoff run. He endeared himself to the fans by playing hurt in the playoffs, suiting up for the Sixers despite suffering a small lateral meniscus tear in his right knee in the first round.
Knowing fully well the value he gives to the team, the Sixers decided to offer a massive extension to Embiid, who was set to earn $65 million over the final two years of his current contract.
Embiid, who averaged 28.5 points and 10.6 rebounds in 51 regular-season games in the 2020-21 campaign, became eligible for a supermax extension with the Sixers after finishing second in the MVP voting and grabbing a spot in the All-NBA second team.
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Embiid wants to finish his career in Philly
With the extension, Embiid will now earn a whopping $261 million for the duration of his contract that will last until 2027. Not bad for a player who missed the first two seasons of his career due to injury.
Embiid was ecstatic with his new deal, saying, "I want to finish my career in Philly, so this is an opportunity for me to realize that dream. I'm just thankful to be here." Sixers management returned the compliment with managing partner Josh Harris saying that "this is an incredible day for the franchise."
Embiid, who represented himself in the contract negotiations, got a fully guaranteed contract and included a player option for the final year. The extension will begin in the 2023-24 campaign and is based on that season's projected $124.95 million salary cap.
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