Cousins injury = huge payday for Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid?

The Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is having an incredible season. But the injury to Pelican’s center DeMarcus Cousins leaves Embiid on track for All-NBA player this year, and a super-max contract

Philadelphia 76ers contract negotiations with sophomore center Joel Embiid had plenty of financial incentives baked into a very lengthy contract. That contract stands as a five-year $148 Million deal for the star center. But many of the initial analysis of this deal looked at the protection to the team.

The penalties in the contract allow the team severability.  In shout, the team has protection in the case where old injuries cause Embiid to miss playing time.  In fact, the contract language focuses on Embiid’s pre-existing injuries ONLY.  Should Embiid play less than 1650 minutes in a single season, or miss 25 games, the team has an option to cut Embiid from the team and realize significant savings relative to the value of the entire contract.

Philly keeping family in the nest

In the end, it came down to Joel Embiid wanted to remain in Philadelphia, and Philly wanted to keep the star center who has elite potential. So the deal happened without a hitch

Re-signing center Joel Embiid to the team was priority number one. And the way the Philadelphia 76ers did so, with complex provisions for both the team and the player’s benefit is rather admirable.