NEW YORK — The lead negotiator and spokesman for the NBA's referees union said yesterday a lockout appears "imminent and unavoidable" following the latest breakdown in talks.

Lamell McMorris said the officials made another $1 million in concessions in their proposal, but believes it's evident the league is not interested in further discussions. The officials then headed home after spending the last 24 hours meeting in Chicago.

"It's become evident that the league would not be interested in continuing conversation at this time," McMorris said.

The NBA had a similarly pessimistic view.

"I'm not going to handicap it, other than to say there's always time to make an agreement if the parties want to do that," NBA general counsel and lead negotiator Rick Buchanan said. "I'm not optimistic based on what happened today."

The contract between the NBA and its officials expired Sept. 1 and the sides have been trying to reach a new two-year deal. McMorris said they largely agree on salaries, but the union has balked at the league's attempt to change retirement benefits.

Besides the severance and pension disagreements, the officials are resisting a league development plan for young officials.

Without a new deal, replacement officials will be used when preseason play opens Oct. 1. The NBA last began a season without its regular referees in 1995-96, when the caliber of officiating was roundly criticized.

"We're prepared to be locked out by the NBA but also remain open to ongoing dialogue," McMorris said, adding that negotiations have been difficult because the league "has made pretty clear they have a goal they are trying to achieve as it relates to these long-term benefits."

All 57 active referees arrived in Chicago on Wednesday, meeting for more than seven hours and unanimously rejecting a proposal the league made earlier that day. McMorris said the officials reconvened early yesterday morning to finalize the counterproposal they made to the league.

ELSEWHERE

Timberwolves: Minnesota added some much-needed size on the perimeter by signing 6-foot-7 shooting guard Sasha Pavlovic to a one-year deal. Pavlovic agreed to a buyout with the Phoenix Suns earlier this week.

Trail Blazers: Veteran forward Juwan Howard signed a one-year contract with Portland yesterday. Howard, a 15-year veteran, averaged 4.1 points in 42 games with Denver and Charlotte last season. Terms were not disclosed.