Derek Fisher flew to New York on Thursday to rejoin the NBA's labor settlement talks, according to a source.

His appearance in negotiations, along with that of several other key officials from the Players Association, was thought to be a factor that could jeopardize the players' legal position of disbanding the union.

But Howard Beck of the New York Times reports that the parties have agreed not to use any part of these settlement talks as evidence in court later, with an agreement to end the lockout now believed to be within reach.

Several sources on both sides believe there is a now-or-never sentiment to the talks, with the mission to begin the season on December 25th and play a 66-game regular season.