By: Jesse Larch, Sports Talk Philly Staff 
Once Ben Simmons was cleared for 5-0n-5 activity, the clock began ticking for when the same would be said about Joel Embiid. Now we may know the reason why the burgeoning star has not been cleared yet.
A report from Howard Eskin of 94.1 WIP claims that Embiid's agent is delaying Embiid's clearance in pursuit of a new contract prior to Embiid resuming full basketball activities.
“But my understanding, part of the reason that they’re saying — whoever it is that is saying that he’s not ready for five-on-five play, is because — and Joel Embiid, I don’t think worries about the money, but they listen to their agents. And the agent wants a new contract," said Eskin.
Eskin does not rule out that Embiid is still unable to play 5-on-5, but insists that a new contract is going to be a hurdle to clear in addition to his health.
Embiid has played 31 games in three professional seasons, with all 31 coming last season after missing the first two seasons with a foot injury.
In those 31 games Embiid averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2,1 assists, and 2.5 blocks in 25.4 minutes per night.
Embiid's ability is undeniably elite, but his ability to stay healthy is very much in question, which makes giving the 23-year-old big man an extension very tricky.
A max contract for Embiid would cost the Sixers $25 million annually, and it may be too soon for the Sixers to make that kind of investment with Embiid having such a limited sample size.
The deadline for Embiid to sign an extension is October 16.
