Another Lockout Probable if NBA Deal Isn’t Reached

The NBA will lock out its players Monday if final details of the long-delayed labor contract with the union can’t be resolved, a league executive said Tuesday.

Talks between the league and the union broke off after 6 1/2 hours Tuesday, and the NBA then toughened its stance.

“If nothing changes, there will be a lockout,” the high-ranking league official said on the condition he not be identified.

A lockout would delay the start of what is predicted to be the most frenzied free agent market in league history. Teams would be forbidden from contacting and signing players, including those selected in Wednesday night’s draft.

If imposed at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, it would be the second lockout in as many years. Last summer’s league-imposed work stoppage lasted three months before the players voted in favor of a modified collective bargaining agreement.

The deal has remained unsigned, however, as the sides have squabbled over details. Tuesday’s talks were the first aimed at settling the differences, and although most of the 15 or 16 disputed issues were settled, including most aspects of the lucrative group licensing agreement, a snag developed over the price the league should pay for commercial use of the union’s logo.

“We were there to make a deal and they came up with an outrageous demand for $31 million,” deputy commissioner Russ Granik said. “We said we weren’t giving in, they said their position was just as strong. We agreed there was nothing left to talk about.”