NBPA Exec Dir Michele Roberts said that she is "'optimistic' about getting a new labor deal done before any chance for a lockout," according to Gary Washburn of the BOSTON GLOBE. Roberts added that the two sides are "talking and making progress." Roberts: "I do believe and (Commissioner) Adam (Silver), I hope he agrees, he and I continue to maintain a civil relationship. I actually like him. I think that he’s a pro. ... Our teams have been in discussions for some months now and we have made progress and we’re inclined to continue along those lines." Washburn notes the league’s owners "did not want this influx of television money to have such a profound increase on the salary cap." They "suggested a 'smoothing' effect, where the money would be injected into the cap over several years but that was soundly rejected by the NBPA." Roberts said, "I’ve heard Adam proclaim his optimism. I’ve proclaimed mine, so I would like to sooner rather than later be able to have a press conference where we both stand together and announce together that we have a deal and there will be no work stoppage. There will be no lockout." Roberts said that if a deal "is not reached by Dec. 14, the NBPA is highly likely to opt out of the deal by the next day, which is the deadline to end the current deal" after the '16-17 season. Washburn notes there was labor discord that existed "between previous leaders David Stern and Billy Hunter." The relationship between Roberts and Silver "appears more cordial and talks are ongoing and appear good-natured" (BOSTON GLOBE, 8/2).
