NEW YORK (AP) -- A person familiar with the negotiations says the NBA's locked-out referees plan to vote on a new proposal from the league this week and could be back on the floor in time for the regular season.
The breakthrough comes after a meeting Tuesday between commissioner David Stern and referees union negotiator Lamell McMorris - who had both previously withdrawn from the process.
The person told The Associated Press the proposal will be recommended for approval to the referees on Friday and that it's "highly likely" they'll be on the court before next Tuesday's season opener. The person requested anonymity because the negotiations are ongoing.
The NBA would not comment on the progress in the talks, first reported by ESPN.com.
