Knicks owner James Dolan blew off the two-day desperation labor session between the NBA and players’ union in Manhattan with one source saying he has been sickened by the failure of his fellow owners to make a deal.
Dolan is on the negotiating committee and a five-minute train ride away from the latest talk, which ended without a deal last night at 11 p.m. after an 11-hour session.
Tuesday, the Knicks were preparing — just in case — for an imminent settlement and lifting of the lockout. Players have been unable to use the practice facility since July 1. According to a source, the coaches and staff started setting up for the preseason by bringing jerseys and equipment into the locker rooms. It was the first time that had occurred during the nearly 4 1/2-month lockout.
If the players accept the latest offer Monday, camp could begin two weeks later.
The only owner present during the latest negotiations was the Spurs’ Peter Holt.
Two weeks ago, when union director Billy Hunter stormed out of the meetings at the Waldorf Astoria fuming after commissioner David Stern’s take-it-or-leave it 50-50 offer, Dolan tried to make peace.
“He was the voice of reason, trying to get the union not to leave,’’ one person in the room said.