NBA teams talking business

Associated Press

NEW YORK

These are the kinds of negotiations NBA fans have been waiting for.

Teams began talking to agents Wednesday as the lockout inched closer to its end, and basketball moved back into focus. Dwight Howard and Chris Paul were linked to trade speculation, while free agents such as Tyson Chandler and Nene were in the news after months of attorneys getting all the ink.

Now, the players are taking over and the league was set to reopen its facilities for workouts today.

Some may arrive out of shape, just as was the case in January 1999 after the NBA’s only other shortened season. But they’re anxious to get back, with a little more than three weeks until they start playing games.

“The guys are going to come in and I’m sure they’re going to be in good shape. They want to play,” new Houston coach Kevin McHale told reporters.

The league still hopes to open training camps and free agency next Friday, leaving both sides scrambling to get business finished in time.

The lawsuits have been settled, contingent upon the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement by Dec. 9. Players are in the process of collecting the signatures needed to approve the reformation of the union, which must be done before the sides can resume bargaining on the remaining issues that must be settled before each side can vote.

NBA officials are working to complete a two-game exhibition schedule for each team that will lead to a 66-game regular season, starting with a five-game slate on Christmas.

Trying to make the process smoother, the NBA agreed to allow players to re-enter the buildings today. Coaches aren’t allowed.