The owners of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils have canceled plans to impose temporary salary reductions of up to 20 percent upon employees who earn at least $50,000 due to COVID-19.

The initiative was reported by the New York Times on Monday evening and was met with criticism on social media.

“After listening to our staff and players, it’s clear that was the wrong decision,” Josh Harris said in a statement. “We have reversed it and will be paying these employees their full salaries. This is an extraordinary time in our world — unlike any most of us have ever lived through before — and ordinary business decisions are not enough to meet the moment. To our staff and fans, I apologize for getting this wrong."

Before the 76ers' reversal, Embiid had announced Tuesday that he would donate $500,000 to COVID-19 medical relief efforts and said he planned to provide financial assistance to 76ers employees affected by salary reductions.

Joel Embiid has pledged to donate $500,000 to COVID-19 health and medical relief. 

Embiid also will help employees of the Philadelphia 76ers who have been temporarily forced to reduce their compensation by ownership during the ongoing pandemic. The amount Embiid will give to employees will be determined based upon who is affected.

The Philadelphia 76ers have instituted a temporary salary reduction of up to 20 percent for at-will employees making more than $50,000 starting on April 15th through the end of June. The 76ers are owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which also owns the New Jersey Devils of the NHL. Employees of the Devils are also being required to take a pay reduction.

The decision was made to avoid layoffs. The employees will not have a reduction in health or 401K benefits.

Employees on contracts, such as members of the coaching staff and front office, have also been asked to participate in the program but cannot be forced to do so.

The 76ers are instituting the measure in hopes of avoiding layoffs.

Elton Brand has agreed to participate in the program, which is also being applied to the Devils.

The Philadelphia 76ers had three positive tests for COIVD-19. The 76ers tested players, coaches and specific basketball operations support staff.

The 76ers tested on Monday.

Philadelphia played the Detroit Pistons on March 11th. Christian Wood of the Pistons tested positive last weekend.

The tests were secured and processed privately.

The players on the Philadelphia 76ers were tested on Monday for COVID-19, several sources told Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. 

The tests for the players came two days after it was announced that Christian Wood of the Detroit Pistons tested positive for the virus. The 76ers played the Pistons on March 11. Wood left the arena wearing a mask after that game.

The 76ers announced last Thursday that it was arranging tests for players and staff who recently came in contact with players who tested positive for COVID-19. There are some members of the 76ers staff who are still waiting to be tested. 

Ben Simmons continues to progress in his rehabilitation from a nerve impingement in his lower back.

Simmons is receiving daily treatment and is gradually increasing the activities in his strength and conditioning program.

Simmons will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

Joel Embiid and Josh Richardson returned to Philadelphia 76ers practice after sitting out with injuries.

Embiid has been out since late February after injuring his left shoulder.

Richardson missed the last three games with a bruised nose and was put into concussion protocol.

Both players' status for their Wednesday night game against the Pistons is unknown.  

Many have speculated about whether the Philadelphia 76ers can win a title with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons as the centerpieces of the team due to fit issues.

Brett Brown, however, continues to contend that they can.

"Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons can win a championship together," Brown said. "I know what winning looks like.

"I know what championship talent looks like."

Some have suggested trading one of their two stars will give the 76ers better balance. 

"I'm the only NBA coach [Embiid and Simmons have] ever had," Brown said. "I know these guys. It's like how my wife knows when my kids are going to get sick about two days before they get sick. When you're a parent, you know your kids. And so I look at these two guys and I know they can win together.

"They can and they will."

The Philadelphia 76ers hope Ben Simmons can return from his lower-back nerve impingement before the playoffs, sources tell Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.

At this point, it is just a hope as it is an unpredictable injury.

Simmons will be reevaluated next week as the 76ers wait for the inflammation around the nerve to subside. 

The Philadelphia 76ers ruled out Josh Richardson for their Tuesday game against the Los Angeles Lakers due to a concussion.

Richardson suffered the concussion in the first half against the Clippers on Sunday.

The Sixers already head into the Lakers game without Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid.