Updated

A person familiar with the decision says Philadelphia says 76ers center Andrew Bynum will have season-ending arthroscopic surgery on both knees Tuesday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Monday night because the surgery had not yet been announced. 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.

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.