ESPN's Ric Bucher reported news from a source on Sportscenter Wednesday night, saying that David Stern is prepared to improve the owners' offer, but that he will cancel the season if the players do not accept.
Here it is. The players did well to finally decertify and gain the last bit of leverage they will ever have, but Sternie is laying the hammer down and this is highly likely to be the last go-around. With Billy Hunter directing perhaps the worst negotiation in sports CBA history, we wouldn't put anything past his 'leadership,' but we don't think even he can screw this up. The players have zero resolve to sit out the 1-2 years required in their antitrust case, and this will be by far the best offer they see from owners. There is an outside shot the sides drag their heels one last time, too. Stay tuned.