Sources -- NBA, NBPA table minimum age discussion in CBA talks

Discussions on lowering the minimum age to enter the NBA draft are no longer a part of the league's labor talks with the National Basketball Players Association, clearing the way for the «one-and-done» era to continue into the foreseeable future, sources told ESPN on Friday.

Discussions on lowering the minimum age limit for American players from 19 years old to 18 and allowing players to again jump to the NBA out of high school had been a part of ongoing talks on a new collective agreement, but neither side ultimately felt strongly enough on change to make it a significant bargaining chip in talks, sources said.

The NBA and NBPA are facing a Friday night deadline to avoid a league opt-out of the final year of the current collective bargaining agreement in 2023-2024. Both sides were continuing negotiations today with a determination to reach a new long-term deal and avoid the specter of a possible labor stoppage beginning in July.

NBA owners and executives were largely indifferent or fully against returning to high school gymnasiums to evaluate players, and even less enthusiastic about that idea without concessions from the NBPA on providing increased access to pre-draft player medical information and increased participation in several elements of the draft combine, sources said.

Players are allowed to leave high school for a pre-draft year in the league's development system as part of the G League Ignite team, which offers sizable six-figure salaries and endorsement opportunities.

NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio has spoken publicly of veteran players' concerns about 18-year-old players taking away roster spots as a reason for pause on lowering the age. Also, the rise of significant financial opportunities for