Festus Ezeli is expected to undergo an unconventional surgical procedure on his left knee next week.

The procedure will involve the use of a cadaver donor, league sources said. Ezeli has sought a donor for months, sources said, but due to his 6-foot-11 stature, finding a matching donor was problematic.

Ezeli will officially miss the entire 2016-17 season after signing a two-year, $15.2 million contract with the organization last offseason.

One source said Ezeli could be out for an entire year to recover from the procedure.

No NBA player has ever undergone surgery with the assistance of a cadaver donor.