Center Tyson Chandler expressed concern Friday that the NBA owners' proposal is so restrictive financially that it would prevent him from re-signing with the defending world champion Dallas Mavericks.
"With the collective bargaining agreement and some of the things that they're trying to enforce, it would basically prohibit me from coming back," Chandler told the "Ben and Skin Show" on 103.3 FM in Dallas. "It would take it out of my hands -- and the organization's -- because it would almost be pretty much impossible for me to re-sign. I just think that can be the worst thing that can happen."
The owners have consistently proposed various mechanisms that would strongly deter teams such as the Mavericks -- who have shown no hesitation to enter into luxury-tax territory during owner Mark Cuban's reign -- from having payrolls that stray into that territory in the future.
"For years, the Lakers have been able to win championships and re-sign their players and keep them there so they can go out for another title," Chandler said. "Now, to put that deal in place after we win ours, I don't like it one bit."
The Mavericks were to receive their championship rings and raise the banner before what was supposed to be their opener Nov. 1 against the Chicago Bulls. The NBA lockout entered its 127th day Friday.
Chandler shed light on the players' attempt to decertify the union and said the process was a move in the right direction. A group of players was briefed by an antitrust lawyer twice this week, ESPN.com reported Thursday.
"What I do agree with is we're all meeting, we're having these conversations and they're very productive, so that's definitely a plus right now," Chandler said.
The owners' labor committee will reopen talks with the players Saturday afternoon. Chandler said he hopes that ramped-up pressure to resolve the NBA lockout proves fruitful during the meeting.
"I'm very hopeful, but I've been hopeful for a while," he said. "I definitely want to play basketball again. It's what I do, it's what I enjoy, it's what I love. It's what I'm passionate about. Not being able to play is tough on everybody."
ESPN.com senior NBA writer Marc Stein contributed to this report.