NBA news: League, NBPA forging ahead with March All-Star Game in Atlanta

The NBA and NBPA are reportedly nearing an agreement to push through with an All-Star Game on March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

The NBA and NBPA are reportedly nearing an agreement to push through with an All-Star Game on March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. If the agreement is finalized, the condensed proceedings will only have a Eastern vs. Western Conference matchup along with skills competitions as part of a single-night event.

The NBA had already postponed the original 2021 All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis due to COVID-19, with the Pacers now set to get the event in 2024. But now the league and the union are trying to figure out a way to hold a scaled-down version of the festivities.

Of course, figuring out the health and safety protocols is at the center of all these negotiations. These protocols are still being discussed, but the hope is there can be an agreement on how to safely transport players to and from Atlanta in a short period of time. There are also plenty of other people to consider when it comes to travel arrangements.

There’s naturally skepticism about the plan, with some players and executives around the NBA believing it’s an unnecessary risk this season. The NFL did away with the Pro Bowl this year, instead opting for a Madden Pro Bowl. There would likely be an opt-out clause if players don’t want to participate.

It’s unclear what type of financial impact this event may have on the league. Chris Paul reportedly wants to use the proceedings as a way to benefit historically black colleges and universities while also providing COVID-19 relief.

Last season as part of a new All-Star Game format, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and Milwaukee Bucks main man Giannis Antetokounmpo were both selected as captains of their respective teams. Team LeBron eventually came out with a 157-155 victory over Team Giannis, with Los Angeles Clippers swingman Kawhi Leonard emerging as the All-Star Game MVP in Chicago.

More details about the event will emerge in the coming weeks leading up to March 7. The NBA currently has a midseason break set for March 5-10. There are games to be made up still, and the second-half schedule hasn’t been released yet.