New York, NY – NBA executives have been given the green light to begin discussions with player agents at 9 a.m. (et) on Wednesday and open their practice facilities on Thursday, according to multiple sources.
A league memo was sent to all 30 teams Tuesday evening outlining the conditions. Teams will be allowed to discuss financial terms with agents for unsigned rookies and free agents, but can't consummate any deals until the league opens for business, something that is expected on Dec. 9.
Meanwhile, players will be permitted to access team facilities and work on voluntary conditioning or strength training, but will not be able to work on "basketball-related activity" until the new collective bargaining agreement is officially ratified.
Also, the New York Times is reporting that the NBA will kick off its lockout- delayed season on Christmas Day with five games on three different networks.
The opener will air on TNT, followed by a pair of contests on ABC and two on ESPN. The league is expected to announce details of the opening day schedule on Friday.
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