Dramatic situation in which Joel Embiid finds himself, but even worse is what the future may hold for him. After finding out that he will have to undergo a major and risky operation, there is a possibility that the Philadelphia 76ers may seek to terminate his contract if he is unable to recover within a year.
What seemed like a career destined for glory has turned into a true nightmare. Joel Embiid seems closer to retiring from professional basketball than winning a championship. At 30 years old and with a heavily battered body, facing a major knee operation generates much concern within his circle, but even more so within the Philadelphia 76ers. They are aware of the real risk that the Cameroonian may never play again, so they are considering implementing an official NBA rule to handle such serious injuries.
If Joel Embiid is unable to play, starting on February 22, 2026 (one year after his last game), the Sixers could petition for a medical retirement.
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 1, 2025
At that point, an independent doctor selected by the NBA and NBPA would examine Embiid. If agreed he can no longer play, his… https://t.co/PGmZlmLkWt
If Joel Embiid does not return to the court before February 22, 2026, one year after his last official game, the franchise can request his retirement for medical reasons. A medical team along with representatives from the NBA and the Players' Association would analyze the center's injury to determine if he can play basketball again. If not, he would lose the remainder of his contract with Philadelphia 76ers and would not compete in the NBA again.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El grave peligro que amenaza la carrera de Embiid y su contrato con los Sixers