Even as the talks suffered their latest breakdown Thursday, two league sources said that Arison has been the most active owner in trying to push through a deal even as his peers balk at the players’ demands.
In his frustration Thursday night NBA Players Association head Billy Hunter said he felt there was a divide between big market and small market owners. He said that some big-market owners were ready end the lockout.
“The likes of (Lakers owner) Jerry Buss, (Knicks owner) Jim Dolan, Micky Arison, (Mavericks owner) Mark Cuban, I think those are the folks who wanted the deal, who were open to all kinds of suggestions, anything that could move the ball,” Hunter said. “But I think there’s a group of owners, the small markets in particular, that were dug in and I think they’re carrying the day.”
Multiple ownership sources disagree with Hunter’s assumption that the divide goes down market-size lines. Dolan and Buss, sources say, have been among the most aggressive owners pushing for reform throughout the process. However, sources say Hunter is right about Arison and his desire to make a deal.
This isn’t much of a surprise. With LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, the Heat are functioning well as a business with high ticket and sponsorship. Also with each of them having three years remaining before they can become free agents, the clock is ticking on Arison’s super team. He’s got plenty of incentive to represent his interests and try to get basketball re-started as soon as possible. But, as is clear, he doesn’t enjoy much support in his position.
As reported last week, Arison has taken steps to get more involved in the talks as they’ve heated up over the last month. He has been a regular attendee in talks with the union even though he is not on the 10-person labor committee.
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That is likely to continue even if expanding his influence is a significant challenge.
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