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Is Joel Embiid's loyalty to Philadelphia worth the staggering $299.5 million price tag?

“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.” For Joel Embiid, there was always only one home. In April 2014, he was picked as the third overall pick by the 76ers. Since then the Cameroonian-American hooper has been with them as their cornerstone. From a 7x NBA All-Star to winning MVP, Embiid has become one of the best players in the world.

Fast forward to today, his performances have allowed him to become one of the highest-paid players in league history. So, let’s explore the details of his latest contract.

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How much is Joel Embiid paid after the contract extension?

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President of basketball operations of the 76ers, 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.” This statement reflects his impressive love and respect for Embiid. The contract extension signifies their commitment to building around the hooper, ensuring he remains a key figure in their pursuit of championship success.

He followed up his MVP-winning season by averaging 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists, with a 52.9% field goal percentage. So, in September 2024, he signed a three-year, $192.9 million maximum contract extension, ensuring he earns a staggering $299.5 million through the 2028-29 season. The following table outlines the projected salary details for Embiid over the next few seasons.

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Year StatusCap Hit Guaranteed CashCumulative Cash
2026-27Estimate$59,539,200$59,539,200$59,539,200
2027-28Estimate$64,302,336$64,302,336$123,841,536
2028-29Player$69,065,472$69,065,472$192,906,008

After this contract, not only was the team grateful, but Embiid was ecstatic as well. “I had no idea when I was drafted as a 20-year-old kid from Cameroon how lucky I was to be in Philadelphia. Through all the ups and downs, this city and the fans have been everything, and I am so grateful for how they’ve embraced me.” 

This contract benefits him. But how? He declined his $59 million player option for the 2026-27 season to sign this lucrative extension, which will boost his career earnings to $514.8 million. But do you know this contract ranks him among some of the highest-paid players in the league?

Is Joel Embiid the highest-paid player in the NBA?

After this deal, Embiid becomes the 30th highest-paid athlete in 2024 and the 3rd highest-paid in the NBA. He is also set to maintain this position for the foreseeable future. In fact, with his latest contract extension, his career earnings of $514-8 million make him the fourth highest in NBA history behind LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Paul George.

Player2024/252025/262026/272027/282027/28
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

In 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?

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