NEW YORK--With the NBA nearing a deal to bring striking officials back into the fold, commissioner David Stern is hinting that he is prepared to release their families as part of the deal. “Stern is signaling that he’s ready to release the families from captivity,” said one source close to the negotiations. “Once the refs return to the court, the families should be sent home, none the worse for the wear. Well, maybe a little thinner from being fed only gruel, and slightly pasty from being held in a dank, dark basement, but generally okay. See, it’s time likes this that David Stern shows that he really does have a softer side.” According to the source, the refs were able to secure the release of their families by agreeing to all the terms in the league’s proposal and accepting a 50 percent pay cut.