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Report: Embiid's extension protects 76ers against specific injuries

Jesse D. Garrabrant / National Basketball Association / Getty

The Philadelphia 76ers didn't give Joel Embiid his five-year, $146.5-million max contract extension without doing their due diligence.

While his deal is guaranteed, it protects the 76ers should Embiid suffer a specific injury and miss an extended period of time because of it, league sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Bobby Marks.

The 7-footer has been sidelined far longer than he's been able to compete, sitting out his first two seasons because of multiple surgeries on his right foot, and then suiting up for just 31 games in 2016-17. Because of this, Philadelphia constructed a contract that would let the organization off the hook if Embiid failed to meet certain requirements.

The 76ers could reportedly waive Embiid for a financial benefit should he miss 25 or more regular-season games, or if he plays fewer than 1,650 minutes across each of the final four years of the extension. Only the contractually agreed upon injuries apply, though, which are the areas he's already had issues with - both his feet and back.

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If Embiid were to seriously injure any other part of his body, Philadelphia would not be eligible to reclaim part of his salary.

Also, should the former No. 3 pick play at least 1,650 minutes in three-straight years during his extension, or at least three of the four years including 2017-18, the 76ers would be unable to reduce the deal.

The extension kicks in at the start of the 2018-19 campaign at $25.3 million, jumping eight percent each year until 2022-23.

He needs to earn a spot on the 2018 All-NBA team or be named NBA MVP to hit his incentives for a super-max contract, thus paying him as much as $176 million or 30 percent of the salary cap.

Across his 31 appearances, Embiid played 786 minutes, less than half of what he needs to reach his benchmarks. During that span, he averaged 20.2 points on 46.6 percent shooting, along with 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.5 rejections, although he lost out on Rookie of the Year honors because he didn't play enough.

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Embiid has yet to take the floor in the preseason as he works his way back from March surgery to fix a torn meniscus in his left knee, although he's expected to be available Oct. 18 when Philly opens the regular season against the Washington Wizards.

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