Previously: Adam Silver: Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations going ‘very well,’ could be done ‘relatively soon’
Both NBA owners and players are reportedly optimistic about agreeing to a revised Collective Bargaining Agreement before the Dec. 15 deadline to opt out of the current deal (effective July 1).
But don’t take anonymous sources’ word for it.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver Cavaliers star and union vice president LeBron James makes a similar implication.
Silver, via Fran Blinebury of NBA.com: LeBron, via Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com:“We’re very optimistic on both sides, from the players’ association to the owners, to (NBA commissioner) Adam Silver that we can get something done, and I think we can get something done.
“And I think it all started because we started the conversations early, ways we could better our league.”
I don’t know precisely how close the sides are in CBA talks. But I believe they wouldn’t have allowed news of their optimism to leak if they weren’t legitimately confident they’ll get a deal done. I especially believe Silver LeBron wouldn’t have used the words “very well” and “relatively soon” “very optimistic” if he weren’t confident about a deal.
It’d just be so detrimental to raise false hope.
But there are benefits to assuring fans that a work stoppage is not in the cards – if a work stoppage is not in the cards.
I’m taking Silver LeBron at his word and preparing for a 2017-18 season that starts on time, including the free agency that precedes game play.