Times wires
Monday, June 6, 2011
DALLAS — Given the sizable gap in their positions, NBA owners and players could easily walk away.
Instead, they will follow a long negotiating session Tuesday by heading to the bargaining table as planned today.
"I just take it as a real positive that we're continuing to meet," commissioner David Stern said.
The meeting Tuesday lasted more than five hours, and deputy commissioner Adam Silver said there were about eight players and 10 owners in the session, which Stern said included "good and frank" discussion.
With the collective bargaining agreement set to expire June 30, both sides say they hope frequent meetings can prevent a lockout. Silver wouldn't rule out adding a third session in Dallas if the talks go well today.
Stern said they "haven't reached agreement on anything," and the union declined to comment until after today's meeting.
76ers up for sale: The 76ers are on the market, and the franchise could be sold within the week, the Associated Press reported. The deal with the group led by New York leveraged buyout specialist Joshua Harris is not complete. Comcast-Spectacor has owned the 76ers since 1996, and the group's chief operating officer confirmed there are discussions about the team's future.
Celtics: Guard Ray Allen exercised his option to stay with the team next season, meaning the Big Three of Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett will be together for one more year.
Pistons: Former stars Isiah Thomas and Bill Laimbeer are on the short list for the team's vacant head coaching position, ESPN reported.
Warriors: New coach Mark Jackson hired Mike Malone, who spent last season as an assistant with the Hornets.