Joel Embiid isn’t going anywhere anytime soon — and he’s getting paid.
The All-Star center has signed a four-year, $196 million super-max contract extension on Tuesday, according to multiple reports, as the 76ers confirmed that they and Embiid agreed to terms.
“There’s no place like Philadelphia,” Embiid wrote on Twitter. “Excited to continue working towards bringing a title home and eventually retire here.”
Embiid took the next step toward superstardom last season in a shortened 2020-21 campaign that also featured some injury concerns.
He posted a career-best 28.5 points per game, which ranked fourth in the NBA, while shooting 51.3% from the field, and posting 10.6 rebounds per game.
“Joel is the definition of elite — a role model in our community and a true MVP-caliber superstar on the court,” 76ers owner Josh Harris said. “Since he was drafted in 2014, his rare blend of skills, charisma, and leadership has transformed this franchise. WE couldn’t be more grateful and excited to continue watching him in a 76ers uniform.”
Not only did the 27-year-old earn a fourth-consecutive All-Star Game selection as a starter, but he picked up his third career All-NBA Second Team selection, a first All-Defensive Second Team nod, and a second-place finish in the NBA’s MVP race.
“This is obviously a great day for the 76ers,” head coach Doc Rivers said. “But more importantly, it’s an amazing statement from Joel, that he has become one of the league’s best and he wants to continue to dominate right here in Philadelphia. His best is yet to come.”
Embiid has often been quoted declaring how much he wants to win in Philadelphia, and he’ll certainly be the centerpiece of the organization’s chances moving forward. However, the Sixers have yet to take that next step when it comes to postseason contention.
They’ve made the playoffs in each of the last four seasons but have failed to get past the second round each time — most recently taking an upset loss at the hands of the No. 5 Atlanta Hawks despite the 76ers possessing the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
