Amid rumors that the Philadelphia 76ers are actively trying to trade Ben Simmons, the team is making sure its best player won’t be leaving anytime soon. Joel Embiid has reportedly agreed to a contract extension that runs through the 2026-2027 NBA season.

Philadelphia and Embiid are finalizing a supermax extension worth $196 million over four years, ESPN reports. The new contract kicks in for the 2023-2024 season since Embiid has two years and $65 million left on his current deal.

The 76ers have committed to paying Embiid $261 million through his age-33 season.

Embiid will make $43.7 million in the first year of his extension, according to Spotrac. The 27-year-old’s salary is set to increase by approximately $3.5 million in each season of the new deal.

With a $54.2 million annual salary in the final year of his contract, Embiid is currently set to be the highest-paid player of any NBA star who is signed for the 2026-2027 season.

Embiid is coming off his best season as an NBA player. The center averaged career-highs with 28.5 points per game, 51.3% field-goal shooting and 37.7% shooting from three-point range. Embiid added 10.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 blocks per game.

An All-NBA Second Team selection for the third time in four years, Embiid finished second in the 2021 NBA MVP race behind Nikola Jokic. Embiid was an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, as well.

Embiid was limited to 51 games last season. He has never played more than 64 games in a single season.

Philadelphia had the best record in the Eastern Conference during the 2020-2021 regular season. The 76ers were upset by the Atlanta Hawks in the second round of the playoffs.

Embiid and the 76ers have made four straight playoff appearances with no trips to the conference finals.

Philadelphia's Joel Embiid reacts after scoring in the 76ers' 121-109 NBA victory over the Milwaukee Bucks
Philadelphia's Joel Embiid reacts after scoring in a 76ers' victory over the Milwaukee Bucks GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Sarah Stier
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