The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association are optimistic that a deal on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement can be reached within the next several weeks, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. According to Wojnarowski, the two sides have made “significant progress” toward a new CBA in advance of the opt-out deadline on December 15.
That opt-out date was agreed upon back in 2011, when the NBA and NBPA reached a 10-year deal on the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. While either side can choose to exit the agreement in December, sources on both sides tell Wojnarowski that a new deal should be in place before then.
While changes will likely be made to the current CBA, the two sides are generally in agreement on most major aspects of the deal, writes Wojnarowski. The remaining discussions figure to focus on smaller aspects of the CBA. Per Wojnarowski, the NBA’s rookie contract scale figures to be increased, and the two sides may also agree to add two-way contracts between the NBA and the D-League to make it easier for teams to develop prospects.
Back in 2011, a lockout cost the league 16 regular-season games, as the NBA schedule began in December rather than October. However, the league has flourished over the last few years, with the salary cap rising from about $58MM back in 2011 to over $94MM this season. Given the league’s success, it makes sense that both the NBA and the players’ union would look to avoid another lockout at all costs.