It’s Official: Embiid Signs 5 year, $148 Million Extension

It looks like we’ll be enjoying The Process for quite some time in Philadelphia. After David Aldridge reported that the Sixers and Embiid were close to agreeing to terms on an extension, Woj broke the bombshell that JoJo had signed a 5-year sheet worth $148 million.

While the full details have not been released yet, Woj also reports that there are incentives for which Embiid can earn as much as $178 million, should he meet them.

Embiid, who was selected with the 3rd overall pick in the 2014 Draft, has struggled for fitness since coming to Philadelphia, having appeared in only 31 games in the 3 seasons since his selection. However, his production in those games was unprecedented for a rookie, particularly one as young he was, and with so little basketball playing experience.

In the games in which he appeared, the Sixers, an otherwise moribund team of outcasts and fringe NBA prospects, played near .500 ball, with an impressive +3.5 net rating. Embiid averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game as a rookie.

Next on the docket: Lord (remember that nickname??) Robert Covington.

Update: Woj writes at ESPN that Embiid’s contract includes bonuses should he win the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year, MVP, or make an All-NBA team. Guys. We’ve got our guy.

Woj also writes, “The deal will include some salary cap protection for the 76ers should Embiid sustain injury that causes him to miss significant playing time,” a reasonable insurance policy for the team to take, given Joel’s history.

(Now please put him in bubble wrap and make sure he’s healthy forever.)