Joel Embiid Secures Future with 76ers: A Legacy in the Making
Already an NBA MVP and an Olympic gold medalist, Joel Embiid has added another major milestone to his career. The All-Star center has signed a $193 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, securing his place with the team until at least 2028-29. As Embiid commits to a long-term future in Philadelphia, his focus remains on one thing: winning his first NBA championship with the franchise that drafted him.
For Embiid, Philadelphia is not just where he plays—it’s home. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Embiid expressed his desire to stay a 76er for the remainder of his career, making it clear that his goal is to bring a championship to the city. With this new contract, the 30-year-old embarks on the next chapter of his career with renewed motivation.
Commitment to Philly and a Championship Dream
With this massive contract extension, Embiid made it clear he’s all-in on his Philadelphia journey. “Philadelphia is home,” he wrote on social media, signaling that his love for the city runs deep. Embiid, who joined the 76ers in 2014 as the No. 3 pick in the NBA Draft, has been the face of the franchise for nearly a decade. Over this time, he’s become a fan favorite, known for his dominant performances and charismatic personality both on and off the court.
Despite the individual accolades, such as being a seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time scoring champion, Embiid’s quest for an NBA championship has remained unfulfilled. His new contract, which includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, gives him the chance to change that narrative and bring a title back to Philly.
A Big Offseason for the 76ers
This offseason has been transformative for the 76ers. In addition to securing Embiid’s future, the team also signed star forward Paul George to a four-year, $212 million deal, and rewarded Tyrese Maxey with a five-year, $204 million extension. With these significant moves, the 76ers are betting big on their “Big Three” of Embiid, George, and Maxey to contend for championships in the years to come.
Philadelphia has not won an NBA title since 1983, and the pressure is mounting on Embiid to lead them to victory. The front office believes that with these contract extensions, they’ve positioned the team as a legitimate threat to the reigning champion Boston Celtics.
Embiid’s Career Milestones
Joel Embiid’s list of accomplishments is long, and it keeps growing. Since entering the league, Embiid has racked up five All-NBA Team honors and seven consecutive All-Star selections from 2017 to 2024. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor has earned him three All-Defensive Team nods, further solidifying his status as one of the best two-way players in the game.
In the 2022-23 season, Embiid was named the NBA’s MVP for the first time. He also led the league in scoring with a career-high 34.7 points per game. These accomplishments came after a long journey that started in Cameroon, where Embiid first picked up a basketball at 15 years old, after initially training as a soccer player.
A Star with a Global Impact
Embiid’s story is one of perseverance and success. Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, he didn’t start playing basketball until his mid-teens. NBA veteran Luc Mbah a Moute discovered him and helped him transition to the United States, where he attended Montverde Academy before playing one season at Kansas. His journey from Cameroon to the NBA has made him a role model for aspiring basketball players worldwide.
Embiid’s contract extension signals not only his commitment to Philadelphia but also to his personal legacy. With over 12,000 points, an average of 27.9 points per game, and numerous other records to his name, Embiid is already one of the greatest players in 76ers history.