NBA Lockout: Is No News Good News That Things Could Be Ending Soon?

The NBA lockout talk has turned from hopeless to hopeful over the last few weeks. It suddenly sounds like a season, once talked about as not happening, could begin on time. Is it actually possible the sides are nearer agreement than we thought they were?

The problem with digesting the lockout news is that there hasn't been a lot of information coming forth from either side. So the question becomes, "Is no news good news or bad news?" Lately, it seems like it could be good news. 

First Chris Sheridan, who has been covering the lockout more than anyone, suggested the sides might be closer than anyone realizes.

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Here’s the dirty little secret about the NBA lockout, despite what both sides — the owners and the players — would have you believe:

They are a lot closer to a settlement than most people realize.

I know this because I talk regularly with a bunch of important people who tell me important things, and I am going to explain why I believe a settlement will be reached that will not only save the season, but also enable the NBA to have an “all is forgiven” honeymoon period (similar to what the NFL just experienced following its labor settlement) in which the frenzy of free agents signings, trades, training camps and exhibition games will make everyone forget all of the doomsday talk they’ve been hearing all summer.

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Sheridan then goes on to elaborate, explaining some numbers, and then lands on the key point—the sides are only only $170 million apart for next season. He gives a timeline with an agreement in principle being reached on October 1, free agency starting on October 20 and the season starting on time. 

The next thing that's worth noting is that following his piece, there's the news that, starting today, both sides are coming together with the full bargaining committee. It is what is being referred to as a "pivotal stretch."

Why is it pivotal? Because if things go well they could have a proposal to discuss when both sides report to their memberships.What happens now will be what they report then. 

If things go poorly, training camp could be pushed back, but if things go well, then they won't. In that case, no news would certainly be great news.

The other little gem that I think hasn't been discussed in relation to the lockout is the J.R. Smith and Nick Young contracts for teams in China. Both were nearing contracts and now suddenly, the news on that front has grown silent. Is it possible that once again, no news is good news? 

In fact, Young's name is on one of the rosters of teams playing Las Vegas for the Impact Las Vegas League or "lockout league." He probably wouldn't be there if he were still considering the China option. Could the sudden change of heart have come from a phone call, "We're getting close, don't go"?  

Both sides have committed to keeping quiet and have been true to their word, so a lot of what is going on is a guessing game, but Sheridan probably is doing less guessing than anyone. There's a good chance he actually knows what he's saying. 

As a backdrop to all of this is the opening weekend of the NFL season and the way the fans came out as though nothing had ever happened. This has to speak volumes to both sides.

The amount of revenue lost if they postpone or cancel the season will make the money they are disputing look minuscule in comparison. In other words, I'd rather 50 percent of a trillion than 57 percent of a half trillion.

There is hope that this week's talks could go well, and if they do, we might be talking real news instead of made-up trade scenarios. Even better, we could be watching NBA basketball on time.