NBA Finals 2011 : Game 2 Online

MIAMI - The NBA and the Players Association negotiated today promised a downtown hotel and was encouraged by both sides but admitted the talks are not closer to an agreement.

Several owners, including the Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck, attended the session along with the New York Knicks Roger Mason, Keyon Dooling of the Milwaukee Bucks and Maurice Evans of the Washington Wizards. Grousbeck would not comment on the discussions.

Commissioner David Stern said there is a renewed urgency to reach an agreement on July 1 when the current collective bargaining agreement expires.

"I would say we had a very good discussion," Stern said shortly after the trading session. "The idea was that the owners and players to exchange views and there was a stage full of entertainment, sometimes lively, always in good humor. But it is important that the parties to listen to each other."

NBPA director Billy Hunter, who sometimes appeared pessimistic about an agreement, said the talks were "fluid." The two sides have agreed to meet again on June 7 and 8 in Dallas. The league wants to establish a hard cap, back wages and increase non-guaranteed contracts.

Players have said they are willing to give a hard salary cap and has challenged the league's claim that half of the 30 teams are losing money.

"I think the tone and the fact that there was a lot of ideas that were put out to people argue on either side of the room (they were good signs)," Hunter said. "We talked about our respective positions, something we had not 't done before. I think it was productive for that reason.

"We have another three and a half weeks to reach an agreement and that kind of pressure on both. The problems are so complex that only needs time to work through them. "

When asked if he felt a closure was imminent, Hunter said: "I have hope (not). We know that pressure is increasing and if something will happen, is I have to spend between now and July 1. We to do everything possible to meet and deal and if we do, we do not. But it will not be a lack of trying. "