NEW YORK (AP) – These are the kinds of negotiations NBA fans have been waiting for.

Teams began talking to agents Wednesday as the lockout inched closer to its end, and basketball moved back into focus. Dwight Howard and Chris Paul were linked to trade speculation, while free agents such as Tyson Chandler and Nene were in the news after months of attorneys getting all the ink.

2. NBA Players File Antitrust Lawsuits Against League - Thursday, November 17, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – NBA players kept offering economic concessions, and it was never enough to satisfy owners.

So with no labor deal and no place else to go, players decided to take their fight to the courtroom.

3. Players Reject NBA's Offer, Threatening Season - Wednesday, November 16, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – Two years at the bargaining table led nowhere, so NBA players are ready to take their chances in a courtroom.

The players' association rejected the league's latest proposal for a new labor deal Monday and began disbanding, paving the way for a lawsuit that throws the season into jeopardy.

4. Players Reject NBA's Offer, Begin to Disband Union - Tuesday, November 15, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – NBA players rejected the league's latest offer Monday and began disbanding the union, likely jeopardizing the season.

"We're prepared to file this antitrust action against the NBA," union executive director Billy Hunter said. "That's the best situation where players can get their due process."

5. No Deal: NBA Cancels First Two Weeks of Season - Wednesday, October 12, 2011

NEW YORK (AP) – Two weeks of NBA games are lost. Many more could be in jeopardy.

There's a "gulf" that separates owners and players, and they will have to close it quickly to avoid further damage to the schedule.