Skip navigation
Site powered by
Latest news:
msnbc.com: Top msnbc.com headlines: 9 die in Kosovo avalanche; child survives

Report: Jordan interested
in Heat ownership

Former star has been laying
low since being fired by Wizards

Image: JordanGetty Images file
Michael Jordan is reportedly interested in joining the Miami Heat in an ownership capacity.

Shaquille O'Neal appears to be close to joining the Miami Heat. Is Michael Jordan close behind?

Jordan is reportedly currently in discussions to join the Miami Heat in an ownership capacity, the Chicago Tribune reported on Sunday.

The newspaper, citing a "source with knowledge of the situation," said that NBA commissioner David Stern has been trying to get Jordan back into the league ever since he failed to buy the Milwaukee Bucks last year.

On Monday, Heat owner Mickey Arison refuted the report, issuing a statement through a team spokesman that the team is not for sale.

Jordan, according to the paper, wants to return to the league, but not in a position where he could be fired like he was with the Washington Wizards. He has generally avoided the spotlight since that incident.

The story said that the Heat would be interested in Jordan because of his ability to attract free agents to the team, although the presence of O'Neal could certainly play a role in that capacity.

The Tribine story did not say what percentage of ownership Jordan was trying to purchase from the Heat, and how much say he would have in matters of running the team.

Jordan’s representatives at SFX did nothing to refute the report.

“Michael has said repeatedly that he continues to explore opportunities to return to the NBA in a majority ownership capacity,” SFX said in a statement. “While we won’t comment on speculation, Michael’s interest remains particularly strong.”

© 2011 NBC Sports.com

advertisement
  ProBasketballTalk tweets

  1. Loading the latest posts…

Source: Twitter. For more, follow @basketballtalk.

Video: NBA from NBC Sports
Lin on on 'Linsanity'
Knicks guard Jeremy Lin discusses the hype surrounding his recent rise in New York.

Slideshow
Washington Wizards v Charlotte Bobcats
  Get your cheer on
Check out some of the dancers from the NBA.

more photos

  Ask the NBA expert: Ira Winderman

Do you have a burning NBA question? Submit it now, and then check back for our reader mailbag.

Special feature
Image: LeBron James
Who will be MVP?
Interactive: Rank each player on a scale of 0 to 10 (10 = best player, 0 = barely worthy of consideration).

NBCSports.com

Slideshow
Image: Blake Griffin
  NBA All-Star starters
A look at the starting lineups for the East and West teams.

more photos