NBA Labor: David Stern Says Contraction Won't Be Discussed Much In Labor Talks

One of the most surprising pieces of news to come out of the NBA Labor negotiations was yesterday's report that the owners are considering contracting several NBA teams. Today, on a conference call with reporters, NBA commissioner David Stern confirmed the news.

Via Howard Beck of the New York Times:

Stern confirms report that contraction will be discussed in labor talks. But also says he is "not spending a lot of time on it."    

I guess we can put that concern to rest, for the most part. However, Stern did stand firm on his one-third player salary reduction stance. Earlier in the day, the NBA Players Association put out the following statement on their Twitter account.

NBPA Excecutive Director Billy Hunter's response to NBA's bargaining position - "The position expressed by the NBA today is regretful, since in February 2010, the players unequivocally rejected the owners' proposal which called for a hard cap, a 40 percent rollback in player salaries, unlimited expense deductions and the elimination of guaranteed contracts. The players and the union would prefer to work towards attaining a fair deal that addresses concerns raised by both sides and the cancellation of part or all of the 2011-2012 season. The players and union will prepare accordingly." 

When asked about Hunter's threat of a lockout, Stern had this to say, via Sam Amick of Fanhouse:

Stern on Billy Hunter statement predicting lockout: "I don't believe Billy wrote that because he wouldn't threaten me with a lockout."    

Tough talk, David.