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.”

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