Joel Embiid has long considered Philadelphia his true home. He once said, “Philadelphia is home. I want to be here the rest of my career. I love this community and everything you’ve given me and my family.” When the 76ers selected him as the third overall pick in April 2014, Embiid immediately became the cornerstone of their team. Since then, the Cameroonian-American star has grown into one of the NBA’s top players, boasting accolades like being a 7-time All-Star and MVP winner.
Today, his exceptional performances have earned him a place among the league’s highest-paid players. Let’s break down the details of his latest contract.
76ers’ President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, describes Embiid as “One of the greatest Sixers of all time and is well on his way to being one of the best players to ever play the game. We’re ecstatic that this extension keeps him and his family in Philadelphia for years to come.” Morey’s words highlight the team’s respect and commitment to Embiid, solidifying their plan to build a championship team around him.
Following his MVP season, Embiid delivered impressive stats, averaging 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists with a 52.9% shooting accuracy. In September 2024, he signed a three-year, $192.9 million max extension, securing his earnings at $299.5 million through the 2028-29 season. The table below provides a detailed look at his projected salary for the upcoming years.
Year Status Cap Hit Guaranteed Cash Cumulative Cash
2026-27 Estimate $59,539,200 $59,539,200 $59,539,200
2027-28 Estimate $64,302,336 $64,302,336 $123,841,536
2028-29 Player $69,065,472 $69,065,472 $192,906,008
Following this contract, the entire team was appreciative, but Embiid was especially thrilled. “I had no idea when I was drafted as a 20-year-old kid from Cameroon just how fortunate I was to end up in Philadelphia. Through every high and low, this city and its fans have been everything to me, and I’m so thankful for how they’ve welcomed me,” he said.
This new contract is a big win for Embiid—but how exactly? By declining his $59 million player option for the 2026-27 season to sign this substantial extension, his career earnings will reach $514.8 million. This deal places him among the league’s highest-paid players.
So, is Joel Embiid the highest-paid player in the NBA? With this deal, Embiid ranks as the 30th highest-paid athlete of 2024 and 3rd highest-paid in the NBA. He’s expected to hold this position for years to come. In fact, his career earnings of $514.8 million now make him the fourth-highest in NBA history, trailing only LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Paul George.
Player 2024/25 2025/26 2026/27 2027/28 2027/28
1. Stephen Curry $55,761,217 $59,606,817 $62,587,158 $0
2. Nikola Jokic $51,415,938 $55,224,526 $59,033,114 $62,841,702
2. Joel Embiid $51,415,938 $55,224,526 $59,539,018 $64,302,139
4. Kevin Durant $51,179,020 $54,708,608 $0 $0
5. Bradley Beal $50,203,930 $53,666,270 $57,128,610 $0
Joel Embiid’s new contract extension noIn conclusion, Joel Embiid’s new contract extension not only pays for his hard work but also positions among the league’s elite. As he aims to secure a championship with the city, will this extension propel him and the team to new heights?t only pays for his hard work but also positions among the league’s elite.
