Dave Checketts, former president of the Jazz and Knicks, said on ESPN 700 in Salt Lake City that he hears the players and owners have reached agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement.

Checketts was recently hired as a consultant to Tom Gores, new owner of the Pistons. Checketts is known as being very close to David Stern.

"The rumblings coming out of both the players side and owners side are suggesting there is a deal," said Checketts.

"I think this is heading in a positive light. This certainly could and has already in this negotiation over time, crashed into a wall. I get a different feeling about this. I think both sides have come together and are trying very hard to iron out the details and come out unified."

Newsday's Alan Hahn, reporting from where labor talks are ongoing, says a deal has not been struck from what he has heard.

A source tells Sports Illustrated's Sam Amick that a deal has not been reached, but reasons for optimism continues.