Patty Mills signs with the Melbourne Tigers. Andrew Bogut tells "The Age" he'd consider joining an NBL club if it could cover his insurance. Now Mills says on Twitter that his backcourt mate from the Portland Trail Blazers, Wes Matthews, wants to play in Australia.

Are we preparing for an influx of NBA players into the NBL?

Whether or not "@WessyWes2" is really interested or it's just more social media hijinks is almost irrelevant. What's fascinating is that the NBA lockout is forcing its players to look elsewhere for opportunities and Australia could be an attractive option - but only if the NBL is willing to make some changes.

It was well documented that when the "new NBL" launched a few years ago, the idea was to "move forward by going backwards." In other words lower the salary cap, reduce dependence on highly paid imports and re-engage the grassroots community. By and large it's been reasonably successful. But suddenly if a few NBA players want to ply their trades in Sydney or Adelaide, the league would face a real conundrum.

Imagine the fan and media backlash if the NBL - always crying out for more attention in a crowded sports marketplace - were to tell someone like LaMarcus Aldridge he wasn't welcome.

As much as league officials can talk about building the brand from within, the reality is that, for the most part, import stars still attract most of the attention.

If Mills - a charismatic figure in the Portland locker room - can persuade Matthews, Aldridge and let's say Nicholas Batum, to play in the NBL, can you imagine the publicity it would generate, both here and in the States?

But would the NBL see it that way? And is it worth the risk compromising your rules to cater to a few millionaires who want to stay in shape? Keep in mind, NBA players, Mills included, could leave immediately once the lockout ends.

Do I think this scenario will come to fruition? Probably not. Both Mills and Bogut are Australians who welcome the chance to give back to the game in their native country. I'm not convinced other NBA players will come over to play for what is, by their standards, a pittance.

But the longer the lockout continues, the more likely it is that the NBA season will be delayed and even cancelled. And the more likely NBA players will look to other competitions around the world.

Why not Australia? Why not the NBL?