Philadelphia 76ers center Andrew Bynum has not played one minute of basketball this season. Being hampered by numerous knee injuries, Bynum has struggled to get healthy all season and at this point there is a good chance he will never wear a 76ers jersey as he is also scheduled for free agency at the conclusion of this season. But despite him not actually playing basketball, Bynum will still receive his scheduled $16.9 million this season. The interesting thing is just who will end up paying it.
Per John Mitchell of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the 76ers are somewhat off the hook for paying Bynum because of the insurance they had on their investment in the troubled center. He elaborates below.
“There is a leaguewide insurance that he’s under,” Sixers president Rod Thorn said Wednesday before the team hosted the Miami Heat. “There is some relief along those lines.”
Thorn did not say how much of Bynum’s salary would be covered by the insurance. However, he said that the Sixers would get full relief because there are no preexisting conditions that would prevent Bynum’s coverage.
“No, he’s under the full protection,” Thorn said.
At the very least, the 76ers can feel good knowing that at least some of Bynum’s salary will be covered by insurance.
In a season where the 76ers hoped to be in contention in the Eastern Conference, saving some money can make them feel a little better.