The NBA has reportedly communicated with league clubs about the murder trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
The league is telling teams to be ready for the potential fallout when a verdict is reached, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
League brass is "preparing for the prospect" of games being postponed this week due to "civil unrest" and "team reactions" in response to a potential conclusion in the case, the report said.
Last week's Nets-Timberwolves game in Minneapolis was postponed following the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Daunte Wright by a police officer in the nearby suburb Brooklyn Center -- only miles from where the Chauvin proceedings have been ongoing.
Closing arguments in the Chauvin case were expected on Monday, the report said. He stands trial on charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
The brutal death of George Floyd under Chauvin's knee in May 2020 ignited protests in the US and beyond against police brutality, systemic racism and social injustice, in which many athletes, including NBA stars, participated.
The eruption of social tensions carried into the NBA bubble in Orlando, where the league officially adopted Black Lives Matter messaging upon its return from a months-long layoff due to the pandemic.
The bubble was touted as a success in terms of safely staging games, but a faction of players was reported to have discussed a strike in support of the social movements. Players from the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic declined to take the floor for a playoff game following the shooting of Jacob Blake.
Others said they suffered from depression and anxiety due to the isolation from their families, while some openly questioned the optics given the seriousness of the political and social situation.
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