The Philadelphia 76ers gave Joel Embiid a three-year $193 million max extension in September 2024 and have regretted it ever since. The former MVP was already injured, and the problems continue to mount. He rarely plays, and things are problematic when he does. The Sixers have him locked in through 2029 to what is quickly becoming the worst contract in the NBA.
Embiid is putting up numbers, but the mobility issues on defense are difficult to overcome. Sunday’s game was the perfect example. Embiid had 18 points in 30 minutes, but the Sixers were minus-11 with him on the floor. His play has led to several uncomfortable discussions, including how much Philly can realistically play him if they want to be a serious contender.
Embiid has struggled to stay on the floor for his entire career. He missed his first two seasons after being drafted and has played over 65 games just twice in 12 years. The big difference is the Sixers could always count on the big man to be elite when he played until now.
76ers regret the Joel Embiid extension more every day
Embiid still had two full seasons left on his deal and was already injured when the 76ers extended him. He was hurt in the Olympics and clearly not the MVP that Philadelphia fans fell in love with. The timing of the extension didn’t make sense, especially after the franchise signed Paul George to a massive contract.
Daryl Morey and the front office failed to adjust to the new cap climate. Every dollar matters in the second apron era. Having a max player who is clearly declining is a gigantic problem. Even a young player blossoming into a superstar can’t overcome the Embiid nightmare in Philadelphia.
Embiid is averaging 19.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 24.3 minutes per game. His turnovers have been an issue, and the 76ers have a 126.3 defensive rating with him on the floor. The worst mark for the full season is the Wizards at 122.4. Yes, the Sixers' defense is nearly four points per 100 possessions worse than the worst team with Embiid in the game.
The knee injuries have finally caught up to the former MVP. His mobility and lateral quickness are virtually non-existent. Embiid can still get buckets and boost the offense. The 76ers are 1.2 points per 100 possessions better with him on the floor this season. It is on the back of transforming into an elite offense, but the sample is tiny. The Process just can’t stay on the floor for an extended period.
The $193 million extension starts in the 2026-27 season. Embiid has a player option in year three, but the big man is all but certain to pick that up. He is not a $67.3 million player anymore. Embiid will collect that massive payday in the final year of his contract. Fans can already expect the Sixers' regret to be at an all-time high by that stage, because there is no way he is going anywhere.
The Philadelphia 76ers foolishly extended Joel Embiid to a max deal while injured. He has never been the same, and the regret will only get worse from here.