Breaking: Festus Ezeli likely to undergo season-ending knee surgery

Festus Ezeli's season may very well have ended before it even started.

It's being reported today that Ezeli will undergo season-ending surgery to his left knee before playing a single game this season for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Vertical Sources: Portland center Festus Ezeli is likely to undergo season-ending surgery on his left knee. Finalizing procedure decision.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 17, 2016

The Blazers signed Ezeli to a two-year, $16 million deal this summer. Ezeli played his first four seasons in the NBA with the Warriors, including winning a title two years ago.

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He had his left knee injected with a bone marrow aspirate concentrate to alleviate pain in late August and it now looks like that won't be enough for him to make a full recovery.

The Blazers may have one option to deal with this loss.

Portland could be eligible to file for the Disabled Player Exception (DPE) if Ezeli is lost for the season. Exception would be worth $3.7m.

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 17, 2016

This could help Portland more easily acquire another player.