76ers committed to inking Embiid to contract extension
The Philadelphia 76ers don't want to stop Trusting the Process anytime soon.
The organization is committed to locking up budding star Joel Embiid, who emerged as one of the most exciting players - on and off the court - in the NBA in his debut season.
"Look, I'd just say we want Joel to be on the team for a long time," owner Josh Harris told reporters Friday, as quoted by the Bucks County Courier Times' Tom Moore.
"We want us all to grow old together. That's the way I would put it."
Embiid, who was drafted third overall by the Sixers in 2014, is entering the fourth and final year of his rookie deal and is therefore eligible for an extension this summer.
After missing two years due to foot injuries, the 23-year-old center finally suited up for Philly and blew everyone away. He averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks, and 2.1 assists, and anchored the team's defense while on a minutes restriction. The Cameroonian was running away with the ROY award until a knee injury saw his campaign end after only 31 contests.
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He's set to earn $6.1 million in 2017-18.
The sides can begin negotiating July 1 and will have until Oct. 31 to agree to terms on an extension, which would come into effect beginning in 2018-19 and see Embiid earn up to $130 million over five years.
If they're unable to hash out an extension ahead of next season, the 76ers can extend the big man a qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent next offseason.