Some NBA players planned ahead for lengthy lockout

Los Angeles Clippers forward Al-Farouq Aminu wants to play basketball next season. But if he doesn't, he isn't overly concerned about his financial situation.

Aminu, a rookie last season, is one of four clients of agent Raymond Brothers who spread their 2010-11 NBA salaries over 18 or 24 months to continue receiving paychecks if the league-imposed lockout forces the cancellation of games.

Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph, Dallas Mavericks forward Caron Butler and Detroit Pistons guard Ben Gordon, all Brothers clients, have similar setups.

If games in 2011-12 are lost, "They will not know financially that they're in a lockout," Brothers said. "If there is a lockout, you'll able to pay your bills. And you're already used to a certain way of living because your paychecks will be consistent."

Players normally receive bi-weekly paychecks from Nov. 15 to May 1, although some opt for a November to November schedule. But Aminu will receive payments from last season until Nov. 1, 2012. Randolph will be paid through May 1, 2012.

It is an unusual arrangement that could turn out to be a savvy financial decision for players. Owners and players are far apart on agreeing to a new collective bargaining agreement and no formal session with high-level negotiators is scheduled.

"My approach has been always to do what's best for that particular client," Brothers said.

With the lockout anticipated for at least the past two seasons, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and player-agents have warned and prepped players for a lengthy term of unemployment.

"Prepare for a lockout. … Prepare yourself financially," are the first words of advice in the NBPA Lockout Handbook distributed to players and agents last season.

Agents have advised players to prepare for a lengthy lockout by working with their financial planners.

"For the last two years, we have been consistently preaching about what lies ahead," said Bill Duffy, whose clients include Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo, Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings, Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash and Detroit Pistons forward Tayshaun Prince. "I think our guys are very well prepared to even miss the entire year."

Duffy, who held several conference calls with his players, said he was not worried about his veterans.

"Mostly, it was for the younger guys and modifying their spending habits and not making exorbitant purchases at the beginning of their career," he said.