NBA Labour Talks to Continue Monday, Parties Discuss Topic on Social Media

The meeting on Monday has become the most crucial meeting in this prolonged NBA labour dispute with now both parties airing their laundry out in public.

The players’ association will meet in New York on Monday morning, a session that could lead to the end of the lockout or send it into a bigger tailspin. Representatives from all 30 teams are expected, as are other players, to examine and discuss a seven-page summary of the NBA’s latest collective bargaining proposal to the union.

The proposal was dated Friday and addressed to union executive director Billy Hunter. Some who will be in the NBPA meeting said Sunday they had not yet seen it, creating some confusion over what exactly is on the table.

“We haven’t asked for anything more than what we had,” Miami player representative James Jones said Sunday. “We understand the times. We understand the economy. We just want a fair deal where both sides are bearing the weight of the present times and with an eye on the future of the game of basketball.”

By Monday, things could finally become clear – because this union meeting may decide if basketball will be played this season.

Both parties in the past have tried to keep the dealing of the situation between them and not broadcast the details on social media but a bold move was played on Sunday when NBA players and owners discussed their problems openly with the public.

Commissioner David Stern and Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver went on Twitter and talked everything from contraction (which has been discussed) to sending players to the D-League at slashed salaries (which isn’t in the proposal).

Among those asking: Miami’s Dwayne Wade and Philadelphia’s Spencer Hawes. One of Hawes’ questions was “since we have covered all of your alleged losses(and more)why am I not getting ready for a game tonight.” The league said it disagreed with the premise.

Wade asked, “why are all your “system solutions” only impacting the PLAYERS?? What have the owners (given) up of significance??” The NBA responded, “The economics & system favored the players in prior CBA,” then again said team losses topped $300 million last season.

Someone asked if the league would consider replacement players. The answer: “Our goal is a season with our current players.” Another wanted to know if contracts would become void if the NBPA decertified, and the league said yes. These were some of the issues brought up.

Stern has always been adamant if a deal is not taken the next deal would be worse but in this case another offered deal is not a guarantee with Basketball likely to lose out.