Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
Sources said that the union did not conduct a formal vote of the players assembled in the room Tuesday, opting instead for an informal "everyone agrees" consensus that authorizes Hunter and Fisher to accept a 50-50 split of basketball related income in future negotiations as long as the league makes some concessions on some of the remaining system issues.
But sources briefed on the owners' thinking insisted to ESPN.com that there will be no further budging from the owners, no matter how close a deal seems on paper. Wednesday will be the 132nd day of the second lockout in NBA history to bleed into the regular season.
ESPN – Union rejects owners latest offer
The union wants teams that cross the luxury tax threshold to still be allowed to use sign-and-trades and the regular midlevel exception to acquire players. Union officials also want the financial penalty for repeat tax offenders decreased and changes in the owners’ proposed escrow system.
“There are things in the system … that we have to have, in order to be able to get this season going again,” Fisher said.
Yahoo! – Players reject offer, hope to resume talks
The union will take the 50-50, IF the owners are willing to budge some on the tax penalties. Too close to blow it up, right?
Here's how I think this plays out today:
– Hunter and Stern will meet.
– Stern says ownership will not budge on the tax issues.
– Hunter walks out.
– Stern announces the cancellation of more games.
– The players (and agents) move forward with the decertification process.
– Fans continue to suffer.
Sorry, but I have zero faith in ownership. Common sense left this process a long time ago.
The rest of the links:
Sheridan Hoops: Wednesday is the day | CSNNE – Pierce pushing hard for decert | ESPN – Rudy Gay hosts charity exhibition | USA Today – Easy Ed Macauley dies at 83 |
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