The Philadelphia 76ers are entering a new era. With the recent addition of Paul George to the team, the Sixers are looking to advance beyond the semifinals of the Eastern Conference for the first time in over two decades. However, before heading into the 2024-25 season, team leader Joel Embiid faces a crucial decision that will shape the team’s future. The 30-year-old star is eligible for a contract extension and has a player option. Veteran NBA insider Ramona Shelburne has provided insights on the star’s impending decision.

Embiid, 30, has three more years left in his current contract, including a $59 million player option in the third season. Amid this situation, the Sixers star is eligible for a three-year extension worth $192.9 million, which will run until the 2028-29 season. He and the Sixers must decide by the opening day of the 2024-25 season.

Since he still has multiple years left on his contract, he will be ineligible to sign an extension once the regular season begins. In case, he decides against signing an extension, the Sixers could offer him a four-year, $266.7 million max extension next offseason.

While the NBA world debated the star’s decision, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne talked about how the situation is unfolding at the Sixers. She explained how getting Paul George on the team would help Embiid make the decision, as signing the former LA Clippers star gives him a chance to achieve more at the Sixers.

She pointed out, 

Embiid has had a hard time at the 76ers which has seen him team up first with Ben Simmons and then James Harden. Both Harden and Simmons were unable to deliver for the Sixers in the long run leaving Embiid to fight a lone battle. But how does the arrival of Paul George for a four-year, $212 million contract change things for Embiid? Shelburne has the answer.

It has been 41 years since the 76ers swept the LA Lakers 4-0 to win their only NBA Championship to date. They will hope that the addition of Paul George to help out Embiid alongside Tyrese Maxey, gives them a real chance to at least have another tilt at the championship. Apart from George and Maxey, the team has Caleb Martin, Ricky Council IV, and rookies Jared McCain and Adem Bona who could play a key role in the grueling season.

Citing this, Shelburne added,

But if Embiid completes his current contract and declines the player option, he will be eligible for a 5-year max contract in the summer of 2026 worth approximately $345.3 million. There is no doubt that Joel Embiid, the 30-year-old former MVP, has all the potential to sign another max contract. But given his history with injuries, will that be a wise move? How many teams will be willing to take a punt at him into his mid-30s?

On the other hand, would the Sixers take the risk of waiting another two seasons to sign a 5-year contract? This would mean accommodating the Cameroonian star until he is 37. But there are reasons why both the player and the franchise could come to terms.

Given Embiid’s age and frequent injuries that disrupt the team’s championship chances, both parties should opt for the less risky route. Notably, Embiid has yet to make a run past the Conference semi-finals. Moreover, the team’s off-season moves have improved the chances for the big man to make a deep run and reduced the pressure.

Secondly, why should Embiid wait for two more seasons and sign a max contract? The simple answer is that it will be the last chance for him to make the most out of his NBA contract. The star baller has earned around $215 million so far through his NBA contract. If Embiid decides to wait for two more seasons, he will have a $106 million guaranteed salary.

At the age of 32, Embiid will be eligible for a five-year max contract, which will mature when he turns 37. Due to the Over-38 rule, he won’t be able to sign another significant contract afterward. From a business perspective, Embiid has to gamble on the next two seasons.

The Sixers won’t have a problem offering him the four-year, $266.7 million max extension next summer if he helps them make a deeper playoff run. The franchise will also wait to see how their own version of the Big 3 does on the court, before committing to any long-term deals.

So far, they have tried to build a team capable of making a challenge, and for Embiid that should instill confidence. But apart from this, what else could affect his decision to sign a new contract?

Will the Paris Olympics affect Embiid’s decision?

Despite having a French passport, Embiid decided to play for Team USA in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. He found a place alongside Stephen Curry and LeBron James in the starting lineup to take his potential first gold medal. However, the star hasn’t been up to the mark in the last three exhibition games.

In the three games, he averaged 7.6 points with a high score of 10 points. The 30-year-old clearly seemed unprepared for the challenge as he struggled to get buckets and gave away 9 turnovers. This underwhelming performance has prompted coach Steve Kerr to make a potential change in the starting lineup.

Speaking of Embiid’s performance, Kerr said, “These next few games, I’m going to continue experimenting with the lineup… Joel is getting better and better every day. Usually, it takes big guys a little longer to get rhythm and flow. But I love Joel. He’s a dominant player.” Moreover, he also hinted at a potential change in the starting lineup, saying, “I think it’s going to be important for us to figure out the best combinations and putting the right people together, and that’s still a work in progress.” This situation might affect the former MVP’s future contract extension decisions.

If ends up playing in the Games for Team USA and helps them clinch a top spot, his vigor to win may be renewed. Failure to start and being left on the bench may have him question a few decisions including his future with the 76ers.

Will AD replace Joel Embiid in the starting lineup? Will Embiid come back stronger in the actual tournament? Let us know in the comments below.