NEW YORK — Insisting that the NBA’s financial projections “strain credulity,” players association executive director Billy Hunter said Wednesday he’s seen nothing to change his belief that a lockout is possible.
Hunter disputes commissioner David Stern’s forecast of nearly $400 million in losses this season, countering that the league’s basketball-related revenues increased to their highest point ever in 2009-10.
“Our position is that David is mistaken,” Hunter said, adding he believes things are “much, much better than they maintain.”
The league’s collective bargaining agreement expires next summer. The sides have started negotiations toward a new one but remain far apart.
“I’m preparing for a lockout right now and I haven’t seen anything to change that notion. Hopefully I’ll see something over the next several months,” Hunter said. “As of this moment, it’s full speed ahead for me in preparing the players for a worst-case scenario.”
Heat will add to haul
MIAMI — Mike Miller, one of the top 3-point shooters in the league, arrived in Florida and told a Memphis, Tenn., radio station he would sign his five-year contract with the Heat by today.
The 6-foot-8 Miller shot a career-best 48 percent from 3-point range last season for the Wizards. In 10 NBA seasons, he has averaged 13.7 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Suns add reinforcements
PHOENIX — The Suns acquired forward Hedo Turkoglu in a trade that sent guard Leandro Barbosa and forward Dwayne Jones to the Raptors.
The deal gives the Suns a third forward in their attempt to replace Amar’e Stoudemire. Phoenix signed swingman Josh Childress in a sign-and-trade deal with Atlanta earlier Wednesday and picked up Hakim Warrick in similar swap with Chicago.
Footnotes.
The Cavaliers’ attempt to sign free agent Kyle Lowry was rebuffed when the Rockets matched Cleveland’s offer sheet for the veteran point guard. The 6-foot Lowry averaged 9.1 points, 4.5 assists and 3.6 rebounds last season.
• The Bobcats addressed their hole at point guard by coming to terms with free agent Shaun Livingston, who played in 36 games last season with the Thunder and Wizards, averaging 9.2 points and 4.5 assists.
• The agent for Luther Head said his client is healthy and the Hornets have not offered a reasonable explanation why they rescinded a two-year contract offer for the veteran guard.
• The Warriors said top draft pick Ekpe Udoh will miss six months after undergoing surgery on his injured left wrist.
• The Pacers named Clark Kellogg vice president for player relations.
The Associated Press
