The returns on Michael Jordan the basketball front office man have been less than favorable. He made a few blunders with the Wizards; there hasn’t been much to show for his time in Charlotte. Friday, he was quoted as saying he’d like to take over majority ownership of the Bobcats, if Bob Johnson was willing to sell. (Apparently the economy is still treating Jordan well.) But Bob doesn’t seem interested in selling right now. So does that mean Jordan might be shipping out for good?

According to Rick Bonnell at the Charlotte Observer, there’s a chance.

Here’s where it gets more interesting: I hear, from people connected to Jordan’s inner circle, that he can extract himself from the ownership group, for whatever he paid, at certain junctures in the agreement he signed with Johnson.

I’m also told one of those junctures is the end of this year. And I wonder if that makes way for Jordan to either seize some sort of succession plan, or move out.

The real question might be what the team is fairly worth right now. I doubt anyone would make Johnson whole, which would mean paying him more than $330 million.

Interesting indeed, Mr. Bonnell. I sort of want to see Jordan step aside. There are simply too many cigars to smoke, casinos to hit, and women to get at. Why waste your time with basketball operations?

Via True Hoop.