The Philadelphia 76ers came into this season with their star big man Joel Embiid locked in for the long haul after agreeing to his rookie scale extension with Ben Simmons and Markelle Fultz still on their rookie contracts. Inking wingman Robert Covington to a new contract extension adds a fourth member to their rotation with a contract going into the next decade.
Covington went undrafted out of Tennessee State in 2013 and after winning the D-League Rookie of the Year award, he was cut by the Houston Rockets. He got a chance with the 76ers as their ‘process’ was taking shape and quickly became a vital member of their rotation as a three-and-D wingman. He’s going to be handsomely rewarded for his time spent with the team through their struggles as they head back towards success.
Following comes from Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Robert Covington is finalizing the framework of a four-year, $62 million contract extension, league sources told ESPN.
Sixers general manager Bryan Colangelo and Covington’s representatives with CAA Sports are expecting a signed agreement as soon as the end of this week, league sources said.
The deal will include a $15 million renegotiation bump on Covington’s $1.57 million salary this season, plus an additional four years that’ll keep Covington under contract through the 2021-22 season.
The $15 million renegotiation is the largest single-season figure negotiated since that became an available contractual avenue in the NBA.
Robert Covington is the 76ers longest-tenured player currently. He’s averaged 12.9 points and 5.6 rebounds in his four-plus seasons with Houston and Philadelphia. This season, he’s up to a career-high 16.8 points per game, with 5.7 rebounds.
