The most powerful brokers of the NBA's collective bargaining agreement will meet Wednesday in what will be the most significant negotiation to date of the 2011 lockout.

“This is a telltale meeting,” said agent Billy Duffy. “I think we will know the seriousness of both sides’ position after Wednesday.

“I don’t think the season starts on time. There really has been no progress. The union has been patient on hoping there would be movement on the league side. The league hasn’t demonstrated any movement whatsoever while the union is flexible.”

Most players won’t begin losing paychecks until after the regular season starts in November, but a prolonged work stoppage won’t be good for either side, Duffy said.

“The league is also grossly underestimating the negativity that comes with a stoppage,” Duffy said. “There are some clubs that won’t miss a beat after a lockout. But there are other clubs that could lose their fans and sponsor base pretty easily with a lengthy lockout.”