Will there be an NBA player's strike?

According to an article in today's Oregonian there is a possibility that the players will strike. Theo Ratliff, center for the Portland Trailblazers, is on the board. His words sound to me to be hopeful, yet cautious:

"...The players certainly are looking for a better deal. Many players think that the union caved in during the 1999 negotiations and are advocating a tougher position this time.

"We're willing to negotiate anything, but there has to be some give and take on both sides," said Portland Trail Blazers center Theo Ratliff, a member of the union's executive board. "It can't be just a give, give on one side -- which is what we end up doing most of the time."

The two sides have been talking since last season, which everyone agrees is a good sign. Still, Ratliff and the players union have been suggesting that union members start saving money in case negotiations drag out, eventually stall and the players are locked out again.

"Hopefully, it doesn't come to that. But at the same time, we have to ready," Ratliff said. "So we've been advising everybody to make sure they know what's going on, save their money and be ready for whatever happens...."
LINK