The NBA and the NBPA "expect to finalize terms" on a new CBA "'just after Thanksgiving' or in 'early December,'" according to a source cited by Kevin O'Connor of THE RINGER. The source "confirmed previously reported details of the new CBA -- such as the addition of two-way D-League contracts and more lucrative rookie-scale and veteran-minimum contracts." Negotiations have gone "smoothly largely due to two major factors." A source said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts have "a relationship built on mutual respect and trust." That respect has "gone a long way." The NBPA Exec Committee has "similarly been 'engaged,'" with leadership from Clippers G Chris Paul, Cavaliers F LeBron James, G James Jones and Kings F Anthony Tolliver. Secondly, and "perhaps more importantly, both sides agreed early on to keep the Basketball Related Income split the same," with 49-51% of the share going to the players. Meanwhile, two league sources indicated that the NBA preseason schedule "will be shortened under the new CBA." It remains "unclear just how much the preseason will be shortened from the current maximum of eight games." A source said that the new CBA will likely "clarify the disciplinary procedures in dealing with domestic-violence policy violations." The terms "haven’t been finalized, but the measures will go well beyond a fine and a suspension." The league’s marijuana policy is "not expected to change under the new CBA." A source said that at most, there could be "tweaks to the drug testing procedure," but "nothing more" (THERINGER.com, 11/15).
