Stern: Groundwork Set for a Deal to be made TODAY.

[Joey]

From both the Horses Mouthes:

They are CLOSE. Today is the day to make it or break it.

Source

"I think we're within reach and within striking distance of getting a deal," Hunter said. "It's just a question of how receptive the NBA is and whether or not they want to do a deal."

Asked when the significant move would happen, Hunter noticed Stern sitting in the back of his press conference and said to ask the commissioner.

"Tomorrow!" Stern yelled out.

"There are no guarantees that we'll get it done, but we're going to give it one heck of a shot tomorrow," Stern said a few minutes later in his press conference. "I think that Billy and the union's negotiators feel the same way. I know that ours do."

"But I think (union executive director Billy Hunter) and I share that view, and we're looking forward to seeing whether something good can be made to happen."

This time, commissioner David Stern said the talks had produced enough familiarity and trust "that will enable us to look forward to tomorrow, where we anticipate there will be some important and additional progress -- or not."

Both seem to agree, and seems like they are at least on Civil terms once again.

Keep your fingers crossed boys. Today is the Day of Reckoning.

[SitnonDfence]

Im trying to remain a realist and not get too excited, but holy &$%& i cannot wait. Not only for basketball to start, but im kind of excited for the fact that Free Agency is gonna be jammed into 30 days, should be plenty of action.

What do you think it will do to the FA market? Players will sign for less knowing that multiple teams are pursuing multiple players and the first one to sign gets the deal? Or will the players have the bargaining power and the teams will wait around to see if the big FA sign with them before the commit to a deal for a lesser player?

Either way.... "$h!t just got real" - Martin Lawrence.