Though Joel Embiid is now in his 30s, he appears to be in line for a sizable bump in pay from the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason.
Keith Pompey of the Philly Inquirer reported Tuesday on the extension numbers that Embiid is eligible for this summer. Pompey notes that the 76ers can sign Embiid to a three-year, $193.5 million extension beginning on July 18. That would be on top of the $106.6 million that Embiid is owed over the next two seasons.
Thus, it would total up to $300 million for Embiid with a new extension. Such a deal would keep him locked up in Philly through 2029, at which point Embiid would be 35 years old.
There is little doubt that Embiid is worth that money when healthy. He was the NBA MVP just over a year ago and is a clear top-five player in the league, having averaged a career-high 34.7 points to go along with 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game this season.
But Embiid’s injury history, especially for a seven-footer, is what may give the 76ers pause. He made just 39 appearances this year due to a knee injury and has never played in 70 or more games in a single season. Philly also still has yet to ever make it to the conference finals with Embiid as the top dog.
That said, the 76ers are all-in on their present window of contention and are targeting several big free agents this offseason to pair with their core duo of Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Removing any uncertainty over Embiid’s future by giving him a new extension might be the best way for them to maximize that window and sell free agents on their stability.
