Source Says NBA Deal Is Close, but Players May Move to Decertify

The framework of a new NBA labor deal emerged Tuesday, but a potential agreement could be undercut by high-powered agents seeking to decertify the union.

The league and the union have agreed to the basics of a new collective bargaining agreement, according to a source familiar with the talks who asked not to be identified.

However, the agreement could be scuttled by strife within the union. On Tuesday, players continued to sign notices saying they no longer wish to be represented by the National Basketball Players Assn. If the union were decertified, any labor agreement it negotiated would be nullified.

“What the players are really asking, and I’m one of those players, is to be informed what’s going on,” Michael Jordan said on CNN’s “Larry King Live.”

Under the proposed six-year deal, players would receive a greater share of revenues--approximately 57%, up from the 53% they currently receive. The agreement would feature a rookie salary cap and limit rookie contracts to three years, after which a player would become an unrestricted free agent, the source said.