The NBA reached a settlement agreement with the NBA Players Association to drop its appeal of a ruling that granted Jeremy Lin, Steve Novak and two other players Bird Rights. The result of the settlement grants Lin and Novak their Early Bird rights.

The two had been the beneficiary of an earlier ruling by an arbitrator that awarded the rights to them, causing the NBA to appeal. As a result of the settlement today, the scope of the ruling will be limited. Players claimed on waivers will have Early Bird rights but will only be granted full Bird rights if they were picked up after going through the amnesty procedure.

Chauncey Billups of the Los Angeles Clippers and J.J. Hickson of the Portland Trailblazers will have full Bird rights.