Earlier this week, the Philadelphia 76ers signed Joel Embiid to a five-year, $146.5 million maximum extension despite the fact he only played 31 games for the team during the 2016-17 season. The extension will come into effect in 2018.

Since being drafted by with the third overall pick Philadelphia in 2014, the center has only played 31 games for the team, averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.5 blocks, but this hasn't stopped them from giving the 23-year-old a hefty new deal.

Many people can't see the logic as to why the Sixers would give such a big deal to a player who didn't even step onto the court for the first two years he was with the team because of injury, but when you take a look at some of the clauses in the extension.

ESPN has reported that one of the clauses in Embiid's contract means the Sixers can waive him 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.

Their report states: "Across each of the final four seasons of the extension, ending with the 2022-23 season, the 76ers could waive Embiid for a financial benefit if he's lost because of a contractually agreed-upon injury that causes him to miss 25 or more regular-season games and if he plays less than 1,650 minutes, league sources said.

"Specific injuries are laid out in the contract and include only past problem areas with Embiid's feet and back, sources said. Embiid has to miss 25 or more regular-season games because of injuries in those areas, and play less than 1,650 minutes, for Philadelphia to have the option of releasing him for cost savings."

So if Embiid was to gravely injure any other part of his body than what is mentioned, Philadelphia would not be eligible to recover part of his salary. He is yet to play in the preseason, but he is expected to play in his team's regular-season opener on October 18 against the Washington Wizards.

Considering Embiid is the main man at the Sixers in this rebuilding process, it's not surprising he has received the deal he has been given. They'll start to get an indication regarding if it was worthwhile if the team is able to make the playoffs for the first time in five seasons.