NBA commissioner Adam Silver puts any speculation around succeeding Bob Iger at Disney to rest - "I love my job"

There has been speculation that NBA commissioner Adam Silver could depart from his role to succeed Bob Iger as the Chief Executive Officer of Disney. Silver put those rumors to rest while speaking with the media on Wednesday. The fifth commissioner in league history said he has no plans of leaving his position.

"I love my job at the NBA. I have no intention of going anywhere."

Silver has served as the commissioner of the NBA since David Stern stepped down in February 2014. He is widely considered to be the best commissioner in the four major sports, by a wide margin.

While the first three commissioners in NBA history served 16, 12, and eight years, respectively, Stern remained in the role for 30 years, stepping down at the age of 71. Prior to becoming the commissioner, Silver, who is now in his 10th year in the role, spent eight years as Stern's deputy.

While he has not indicated how long he will remain in the role, passing on an influential and prestigious role as the CEO of Disney indicates that Silver plans to remain in the NBA for quite some time.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver indicates that the league could opt out of current CBA

The NBA and NBA Players Association have an opt-out clause in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. NBA commissioner Adam Silver indicated that the league could exercise that clause if the two sides cannot reach a deal by Friday's deadline.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Silver expressed optimism that the sides would reach a deal, but noted that the league will opt out if they cannot.

"Silver said today that he is hopeful of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement by Friday's mutual opt-out deadline – but said if there is no deal, the league intends to opt out of the current CBA in June."

Check out Shams Charania's tweet on Adam Silver's comments below:

NBA Players Association executive director Tamika Tremaglio responded with:

"The March 31st deadline is an important benchmark, and we are doing everything in our power to reach an agreement with the league. If we don't have a deal and the league decides to opt out, it will be disappointing considering all the work both sides have put into the negotiations and the fair nature of our requests.

"As far as our fans are concerned, it will be business as usual. Games will continue uninterrupted. The NBPA, however, does not intend to opt out."

Check out NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio's response to Adam Silver's comments below:

While it is unclear what is holding up the agreement, the 2022-23 season will not be affected. The league opting out of the CBA could indicate that a lockout is on the horizon, however, for the first time since 2011-12.