NBA Players Association executive director Billy Hunter said Wednesday that he is now optimistic that the union and owners can reach a collective bargaining agreement now that they're returning to the negotiating table.

"That's a positive sign we're getting back together," Hunter said. "Both sides understand the urgency and importance. We might have gotten distracted. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail."

No date has been set for the resumption of talks.

Hunter said the union has not changed its position on its proposal since talks ended and still is opposed to a reduction in the length of player contracts and a minimum age limit.

"When I come to the table, my attitude will be like it was," Hunter said. "The deal has to be fair to the players, keeping in mind all we gave up seven years ago. We gave major concessions."

Hunter also said the union is waiting for a response from the league to a proposal it made about two weeks ago.

"Obviously they didn't feel compelled to respond," he said. "(What) we're going to do is try to reach an accord by June 30. We have to see how far apart we are and see if we can bridge the gap."

Commissioner David Stern outlined the framework of the league's new proposal Tuesday:

? Players will be guaranteed to receive 57% of the revenue, the same amount they get under the current agreement.

? The salary cap will increase from 48% to 51% of total revenue.

? More money will be made available for player salaries by lowering the dollar amount that would trigger the luxury tax.

Stern said the average player salary would increase from $4.5 million to $5.5 million over the course of a possible six-year CBA.