The Philadelphia 76ers have signed center Joel Embiid to a five-year, $148-million deal despite playing in just 31 games after he was taken third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft. According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the 76ers signed Embiid to a designated rookie-scale max extension. Jessica Camerato of NBC Sports Philadelphia later confirmed Wojnarowski’s report. In his report, Wojnarowski explained Embiid’s designated contract, saying the 7-foot-2 center could earn more if he meets criteria incorporated in the deal, including winning the Defensive Player of the Year or MVP Awards.
Embiid will also receive an incentive for making it to All-NBA teams. Wojnarowski said if Embiid meets the super max criteria, he could make as much as $178 million.
Last season, Embiid averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game but he was limited to just 31 outings last season due to knee injury that he sustained against the Portland Trail Blazers last Jan. 20. He missed his first two seasons due to foot injuries Embiid’s previous history of injuries prompted the 76ers to add some "salary-cap protection" for the team if he suffers another serious setback, according to Wojnarowski. The 76ers are expected to compete for a playoff spot this season behind Embiid, who will play alongside last season’s top pick Ben Simmons, 2017 top pick Markelle.
Fultz and Dario Saric. The 76ers also added veteran shooter JJ Redick via a one-year, $23 million deal in the offseason to add offensive firepower to the squad.
Embiid cleared for 5-on-5 drill
Embiid has not played in the preseason as he was recently cleared for five-on-five halfcourt scrimmages by team doctors. Based on what he saw during Friday and Monday’s scrimmages, 76ers head coach Brett Brown said Embiid looked good.
The head coach said Embiid’s physical presence and competitiveness were on full display despite the workout’s halfcourt setting, per Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Embiid worked out with reserve swingman Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, who participated in a scrimmage for the first time since suffering a right knee patellar tendinitis.
Embiid felt fine after scrimmage
According to Jake Pavorsky of NJ.com, Embiid felt fine after the scrimmage, saying he’s healthy enough to play in a regular-season game if he needs to. “I mean if it was Game 7 of the NBA Finals, definitely," said Embiid, adding he needs just to check “a couple boxes before the season” to ensure he’s healthy when the 76ers open their campaign against the Washington Wizards on Oct. 18.
