The NBA season will begin on December 22 after an agreement was reached with players over scheduling, salary figures and free agency dates.
The usual season-start date in October was pushed back because the coronavirus pandemic caused delays to the 2019-20 campaign.
But the NBA and its players' union have agreed a new date and a 72-game season, a reduction on a usual campaign. The agreement is yet to be approved by the league's board members.
However, the league and its players have a deal in principle that also includes a date of November 20 for when free agents can start negotiating with teams.
The 2019-20 season was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic in March and concluded in a 'bubble' environment in Orlando on October 11, four months later than the season typically ends.
The Los Angeles Lakers ended a 10-year wait for their 17th title, with Lebron James leading his team to a 4-2 finals win over his former team, the Miami Heat.