Philadelphia 76ers Could Potentially Seek to Have Joel Embiid's Contract 'Wiped From Their Books'

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dave Ettinger | Last updated Mar 1, 2025 12:18 PM ET

After appearing in just 19 games for the Philadelphia 76ers this season, Joel Embiid was shutdown for the remainder of the 2024-2025 NBA season. While Embiid hadn't taken the court since Feb 22, the 76ers didn't officially shut him down for the year until Feb 28.

Per reports, the 76ers and Embiid continue to weigh their options between rest and rehabilitation and surgery to help Embiid's injured left knee return to form.

A new report surfaced on Saturday, from Keith Smith, a contributor to @Spotrac and @FrontOfficeShow, stating that the 76ers could potentially seek a medical retirement for Embiid that would "wipe Embiid's contracts from their books."

76ers could petition for a ‘medical retirement’ for Joel Embiid if he’s unable to play a year from now, per @KeithSmithNBA

“At that point, an independent doctor selected by the NBA and NBPA would examine Embiid. If agreed he can no longer play, his remaining contract would be… pic.twitter.com/aXuCzLoNWy
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 1, 2025

If Joel Embiid is unable to play, starting on Feb 22, 2026 (one year after his last game), the 76ers could petition for a medical retirement. In this case, an independent doctor selected by the NBA and NBPA would examine Embiid. If agreed he can no longer play, his remaining contract would be "wiped off the books for the 76ers."

Embiid is under the contract through the 2028-2029 season (including a player option). Starting with next season, Embiid is still owed a total of $299.1 million.

No matter the solution to Embiid's injured left knee, he never looked like the MVP version of himself this season. He shot career lows from the field (44.4%) as well from 3-point range (29.9%).

Earlier this season, Embiid spoke to the idea that his injury kept him from playing like himself this season:

"The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now. It sucks," he said. "I probably need to fix the problem, and then I'll be back at that level. But it's hard to have trust when you're not yourself."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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