Joel Embiid has been the cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers for years. However, troubling intel about Joel Embiid’s recent three-year, $193 million extension raises serious concerns. Signed on September 20, 2024, the deal ensures Embiid earns $299.5 million through 2028-29, including a staggering $69 million in the final year. Despite his immense talent, Embiid’s injuries and declining performance could jeopardize the Sixers’ championship aspirations.
New Perplexing Intel Emerges About Joel Embiid’s Extension
The Sixers Knew About Embiid’s Injury Beforehand
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, the Sixers were fully aware of Embiid’s knee issues when they signed the extension. Amick revealed on Run it Back that Sixers personnel confirmed their knowledge of Embiid’s condition and expressed confidence in managing it.
“I had asked essentially, ‘Was there any regret about doing the extension? … And did you also know at that time (about the injury)?’ And the answers I got were, ‘Yes, we knew,’ and that there was a confidence level in their ability to manage it going forward.”
However, managing the issue hasn’t gone as planned. Embiid’s performance has dipped drastically this season, averaging only 19.8 points and 7.5 rebounds. His shooting percentages—37.9% from the field and 16.7% from three—are career lows. Additionally, his assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.5 assists to 3.3 turnovers highlights his struggles.
The decision to extend Embiid under these circumstances now looms large over the franchise. By 2028-29, the Sixers could face paying a diminished Embiid $69 million, with little assurance of elite play.
Daryl Morey’s Offseason Gambit
Despite Embiid’s injury concerns, Sixers general manager Daryl Morey took bold steps to construct a championship-caliber team. Following Embiid’s public requests for a stronger supporting cast, the Sixers acquired Paul George in free agency. They also added key veteran contributors, creating a deeper and more versatile roster.
Additionally, Morey drafted Jared McCain, who has quickly become a revelation. McCain’s emergence has added a spark to the Sixers’ rotation, providing youthful energy and unexpected production.
Morey ensured fiscal flexibility by signing most players to team-friendly contracts with two-year guarantees. The Sixers remain just under $6 million away from the second apron, avoiding immediate financial pitfalls. However, all these moves rely on Embiid’s ability to lead the team at an elite level.
A Concerning Start to the Season
The Sixers’ 2024-25 season has not started as expected. Embiid has appeared in only four of the team’s first 16 games, missing critical opportunities to establish chemistry with his revamped roster. Even when he plays, he appears far from his dominant self, raising doubts about his long-term health and effectiveness.
Embiid’s lackluster Olympics performance further highlighted his physical decline. Playing through a torn meniscus during the 2024 NBA Playoffs likely exacerbated his condition. While his commitment to competing for both club and country is commendable, it may have taken a toll on his body.
The Financial Risks of Embiid’s Deal
The terms of Embiid’s extension reveal the magnitude of the Sixers’ gamble. The deal includes a player option for 2028-29, effectively guaranteeing Embiid $514.8 million in career earnings. It also makes his contract the third richest in NBA history.
If Embiid continues to struggle, this extension could cripple the Sixers’ future flexibility. Paying nearly $70 million to a broken-down player would severely limit the team’s ability to build a competitive roster.
A Narrow Path Forward
The Sixers’ success this season hinges on Embiid rediscovering his form. While Morey’s moves have provided an improved supporting cast, Embiid remains the centerpiece of the team’s championship ambitions. Without him at his best, the Sixers’ title hopes could collapse under the weight of their financial commitments.
For now, the Sixers must balance optimism with caution. If Embiid’s injuries persist, they may face difficult decisions about their future direction. However, if he returns to peak form, the Sixers’ prudent offseason could still pay off. The clock is ticking for Philadelphia to find out whether their gamble on Embiid will be a triumph or a costly mistake.
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