Billy Hunter has been in talks with the National Basketball Players Association about a settlement, according to a sources.

Both Hunter and the union are likely motivated to settle in order to prevent further embarrassment.

Hunter was fired as executive director of the union during All-Star weekend in February.

Hunter's contract had three years and $10 million remaining.

The NBA and National Basketball Players Association are close to an agreement to test the blood of players for human growth hormone, according to sources.

Testing for HGH could begin as soon as the 13-14 NBA season.

NBA players are currently subject to six urine tests a year, two of which occur in the offseason.

Staff attorney Ron Klempner is directing the union on an interim basis. Sources insist HGH testing can proceed regardless, and the union can and will implement HGH tests before resolving its leadership issues.

David Stern expressed optimism at the All-Star Game that HGH testing would soon be agreed upon.

LeBron James promised to be more engaged in the affairs of the National Basketball Players Association moving forward.

"He has asked to be in a position where he's more heartily informed," a source said over the weekend. "He's pretty much said straight out to the players that while he can't commit time-wise to be in certain places he would be required to be, such as for executive committee meetings, he will be available for different assignments, other committees, and would make the time."

James and Tyson Chandler went straight from All-Star practice to the NBPA meeting.

"It was resolved beforehand that Derek and the guys would come to the locker room Sunday and fill the [All-Star players] in and answer questions," the source said. "LeBron made the special effort not to just rely on that. And he spoke up again at the All-Star meeting" before the All-Star Game.