NBA commissioner David Stern issued the following statement on Saturday regarding Michael Jordan's purchase of the Charlotte Bobcats:

"We have been anticipating an agreement for transfer of a majority interest in the Bobcats and are pleased it has occurred. Bob Johnson brought the excitement of the NBA back to Charlotte and I am certain that as Michael Jordan returns to his home state as the principal owner of the Bobcats the team will continue its growth as a success on the court, as a business success and as a valued community asset. We expect the expedited approval process to be completed by the end of next month."

Michael Jordan struck a deal late Friday night to buy a controlling interest in the Bobcats.

Jordan had just minutes left in his exclusive negotiating window when he came to an agreement.

Charlotte owner Bob Johnson announced in a statement that he's agreed to sell the Bobcats to Jordan, who has been a part-owner of the team since 2006.

Jordan has been running the team's basketball operations.

Bobcats guard Stephen Jackson went on a vacation over the All-Star break, but would have preferred to play the annual game.

"I'm not on (NBA commissioner) David Stern's favorites list because of a couple of incidents," Jackson said when asked why he's never been selected for an All-Star Game.

"I get really depressed when I don't get in because I think that's one of the last things on my 'to-achieve' list. I won a championship (in San Antonio) and I've gotten better every year. My last two goals are to be on first- or second-team All-NBA and to play in an All-Star Game."

Tyson Chandler traveled to New York on Thursday to consult with the same foot specialist who operated on him last spring to address ankle and toe injuries.

Chandler has missed the last four games with additional pain in his foot and ankle. He's missed 26 of the last 29 games, after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in that foot in late December.

The Bobcats are close to being sold, possibly as soon as Thursday.

Sources close to the situation anticipate a quick resolution, as to whether Bobcats managing partner Michael Jordan or ex-Houston Rockets president George Postolos will close a deal with majority owner Bob Johnson.

Jordan's window of first-refusal to buy the team is close to expiration, sources say, and he was still recruiting partners this week to invest $260 million or more to complete a purchase of Charlotte's NBA franchise.

Jordan has repeatedly declined interview requests on his effort to buy the team. Postolos, who now leads a Houston-based consulting firm, declined comment when reached Wednesday.

Larry Hughes would like to sign with the Bobcats, according to a source. Hughes was waived this week by the Kings.

Hughes played in Philadelphia for Bobcats coach Larry Brown and worked with Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins when Higgins was in management roles in Washington and Golden State.

Signing Hughes would cost the Bobcats about $240,000 the rest of the season, a number that would still keep them below the threshold to pay the NBA's luxury tax.

Charlotte needs a third point guard and could sign a veteran off the waiver wire.

The Bobcats have been linked to signing veteran Mike James, should he be bought out by the Washington Wizards.

Another possibility could be Larry Hughes, should he be bought out by the Sacramento Kings.

After a sparkling debut turning in 9 points, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks, Tyrus Thomas was interviewed on the court after the game by Bobcats' television.

Thomas complimented Larry Brown, saying that he had no problem with his new coach getting on him because Brown also gave him instructions on how to fix his mistakes and an opportunity to do so.

The relationship between Thomas and Bulls' coach Vinny Del Negro became increasingly tense this season, leading to the deadline-day trade that sent the former lottery pick to Charlotte.

The Bobcats beat the Cavs, 110-93.

Tyrus Thomas will make his debut for the Bobcats on Friday night against the Cavaliers.

Charlotte acquired Thomas from Chicago in a deal for guards Flip Murray and Acie Law on Thursday.

Thomas took part in Friday morning's shootaround.

The Chicago Bulls have traded Tyrus Thomas to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for Ronald ?Flip? Murray and Acie Law.  Chicago also received a future first round draft pick from Charlotte.

Thomas was the fourth overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft.