CBS — NBA owners have sent an initial proposal to the NBA Players Association and they are pushing for a “hard” salary cap, CBS Sports has learned.

In addition, owners are requesting a drastic reduction in player salaries.

The proposal was sent to the union earlier this week and seeks a reduction in the players’ share of basketball-related income from 57 percent to well below 50 percent, according to a report.

Owners also are seeking some aspects of a hard cap — a departure from the current luxury-tax system — and a reduction in the length and amount of max contracts.

According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, the two sides will meet during All-Star weekend for their first face-to-face bargaining session as they try to reach an agreement before the current deal expires in 2011.

Related posts:

1. Veteran players would not be surprised by NBA lockout
2. Stern says NBA teams are in $400M hole
3. Players preparing for possible lockout