After months of uncertainty, which included frequent injury layoffs and brief returns to the court, Joel Embiid was officially ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season. The decision was confirmed Friday in an official statement issued by the Philadelphia 76ers. However, if the 30-year-old center does not resolve his physical problems, the consequences could be far-reaching.
“The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid have been consulting with top specialists regarding ongoing issues with his left knee. After further evaluation, it has been determined that he is medically unable to play and will miss the remainder of the season to focus on treatment and rehabilitation,” the Sixers explained in their statement.
“We are working with medical experts to determine the exact treatment plan and will update the media when we have more information,” the franchise added. “The team and specialists will continue working with Joel to ensure the best path forward for his long-term health and performance.”
This setback is not just detrimental to Philadelphia‘s title aspirations, as Embiid is their best player and the primary reason for their championship hopes. It also poses a significant financial dilemma with potential ramifications for the team’s future seasons.
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after his team’s 118-115 loss against the New York Knicks on May 02, 2024.
According to ESPN, Embiid is the second-highest-paid player in the NBA, earning an annual salary of $51,415,938. This salary comes as part of an extension he signed in September 2024, which binds him to the Philadelphia 76ers for three more years. Having a player of his caliber sidelined for an extended period would present a major challenge for the team, but the 76ers appear to have an alternative route.
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What could happen with Embiid?
With no clear timeline for Joel Embiid’s recovery from his knee problems, and uncertainty over whether he will recover fully, the Philadelphia 76ers may be forced to make a definitive decision about his future in the medium term.
As reported by Keith Smith of Spotrac, the 76ers will have to wait one year from the last official game Embiid played (which was February 22, 2025, against the Brooklyn Nets at Wells Fargo Center). After that period, the team can request a medical retirement for the star center.
This procedure involves a series of evaluations conducted by an independent doctor appointed by the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). If the conclusion is that Embiid is unfit to play, his contract will no longer count against the 76ers’ salary cap, although he will still receive the remainder of his agreed-upon salary.
