NBA referees likely to approve contract

Negotiators for the NBA and its referees union have agreed on a new contract, making it likely that the league's regular officials will be on the court when the regular season begins next week.

The contract must be ratified by a majority of the union's 57 referees, with a vote scheduled for Friday. A person with direct knowledge of the negotiations predicted the deal would be approved, ending a lockout that began Sept. 18.

"It's highly likely the referees will be back on the court in time for the season," the person told The New York Times.

Spokesmen for the NBA and the union declined to comment.

Both sides have reason for caution. Negotiators thought they had an agreement in late September before the union's executive board suddenly reversed itself. With board members split, the referees overwhelmingly rejected the proposal by a 43-14 vote.

However, the new agreement, reached during a meeting at the NBA's Manhattan offices, was apparently designed to meet the referees' remaining concerns.

Notes

• The Phoenix Suns lowered their roster to 13 players by waiving guard Dan Dickau, a former Husky and Gonzaga player, and forward Carlos Powell.

• The Portland Trail Blazers are close to signing forward LaMarcus Aldridge to a five-year contract extension worth $65 million, according to ESPN.com.

• The Minnesota Timberwolves waived center Jared Reiner, one day after acquiring another big man (Nathan Jawai) in a trade with Dallas.

• The Detroit Pistons waived Maceo Baston, reducing their roster to 15 players.

• The Atlanta Hawks have 13 players on their roster after waiving guard Mario West and centers Garret Siler and Courtney Sims.

• The Oklahoma City Thunder waived guard Tre Kelley, cutting the team's roster to 17 players.

• The Utah Jazz cut second-round draft pick Goran Suton, Spencer Nelson and Alexander Johnson, leaving the team with 16 players.

• Orlando Magic reserve center Adonal Foyle has undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. The team said there's no timetable for Foyle's return.

• The Houston Rockets waived guards Romel Beck and Garrett Temple, reducing the roster to 17.