Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum will have season-ending arthroscopic surgery on both knees the team announced Tuesday.
“After many months of rehabilitation and consulting with numerous doctors, Andrew and the doctors treating him determined that this is the best course of action at this point,” 76ers general manager Tony DiLeo said in a statement released by the team. “We will continue to monitor and evaluate his status moving forward.”
Bynum has not played this season because of bone bruises in both of his knees. The 25-year-old is an unrestricted free agent and may never play a game for the Sixers.
Bynum was shut down in training camp as a precaution and the Sixers originally hoped he’d be ready by opening night Oct. 31. Bynum said since training camp he would play this season. But after he experienced swelling in his right knee after a 5-on-5 scrimmage late last month, he acknowledged a return might not be possible.
“The primary focus of the procedure is to clean out loose bodies from within the knees in an attempt to alleviate pain and swelling,” the team said in its statement.
Bynum was acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a four-team trade and was expected to make the 76ers contenders in the East.
This article was originally posted on ESPN.com