76ers ‘Cautiously Optimistic’ They’ll Sign Joel Embiid To A Contract Extension

The Philadelphia 76ers are building something special. The team is ready to have a breakout season with a lot of young talent up and down the roster including versatile center, Joel Embiid.

With Embiid proving he could be a legitimate star in the NBA last season, the team wants to make sure he sticks around for the long-term. Although Embiid has injury concerns with multiple knee issues over the years, the 76ers still want to get a contract extension done with the Kansas product, according to Derek Bodner of The Athletic.

Bryan Colangelo says an extension with Embiid has been discussed. "Cautiously optimistic they can find common ground." #sixers.

— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) September 20, 2017

Along with signing Embiid to a lucrative contract extension, the 76ers brass are also rumored to be still be looking to trade former lottery pick Jahlil Okafor. Embiid’s emergence as a star in the making has made Okafor expendable as well as an attractive trade asset the team can use to upgrade other areas of the roster.

As for Embiid, the future is bright as long as he can stay healthy which has been his biggest issue during his short NBA career. Embiid showed a versatile skill set that makes him extremely valuable if able to stay on the floor for Philadelphia.

Last season, Embiid averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. The 76ers star played in only 31 games while shooting 46.6 percent from the floor and 36.7 percent from beyond the arc.