The Bobcats had been looking to trade D.J. Augustin, but owner Michael Jordan has backed off that stance, according to league sources.

Charlotte had discussions with the Clippers and Trail Blazers when Larry Brown was coach.

However, interim coach Paul Silas likes Augustin and will allow the team to play faster and looser, which suits the young point guard's style.

Patrick Ewing has confirmed that he had conversations with Michael Jordan about replacing Larry Brown as Charlotte's head coach.

He did not say if he was offered the job.

"I talk to Michael all the time, so there definitely was a phone call," Ewing said. "It depends on what we talked about."

Paul Silas was eventually named Bobcats coach.

"My aspirations have never changed," Ewing said of getting a head-coaching job. "We have two more years on our contract, so I'm happy."

Changing their name isn't a widespread concern for the Bobcats, based on the team's market research.

Pete Guelli, who heads the franchise's marketing, told the Charlotte Observer that the team's recent market study showed no support for a name change.

Some fans have expressed a desire for a change.

There have been a number of rumors about the Bulls looking to upgrade their talent at shooting guard, but they'll stand pat at the position for the time being.

Chicago has been linked to Stephen Jackson and O.J. Mayo, but they'll continue to rely on Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver.

The Bulls were engaged in talks recently, but nothing is imminent or likely, according to an NBA source.

They don't want to mortgage their future by making a move.

Michael Jordan has purchased two top-floor penthouses, which he'll combine and then install a private elevator.

Jordan purchased the property in Charlotte last week for $3.15 million, according to the Charlotte Observer.

"Hotel life is starting to get a little tiresome," Jordan told the newspaper. "I need to start planting some roots. I need a place where I can bring a bunch of my clothes. There's nothing like having your own place to relax."

Jordan's new home is about two blocks from Time Warner Cable Arena.

The Rockets have discussed Yao Ming with the Kings and Bobcats, according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reported on Monday afternoon that Houston was shopping the All-Star center.

Sacramento has the sort of young talent that Houston would seek as part of any deal, while Charlotte would likely have to include coveted draft picks in addition to players.

The Kings are against trading rookie DeMarcus Cousins, despite concerns about his character and the team's rough start.

Nothing is imminent, with a trade much more likely around February's deadline.

The Bobcats may try to gain cap relief by offering Boris Diaw to the Magic in exchange for the expiring contract of Jason Richardson.

Diaw has a $9 million player option for next season, while Richardson's $14.4 million deal will come off the books this summer.

Nate McMillan's contract expires after this season and Marc Stein of ESPN.com writes that he could be a long-term option for the Bobcats if he doesn't re-sign with the Trail Blazers.

Charlotte hired Paul Silas as their interim coach after Larry Brown stepped down last week.

Gerald Wallace was trying to do some Christmas shopping when he was informed that Larry Brown had stepped down as the coach of the Bobcats.

"It was a surprise to me. It's something you totally didn't see coming," Wallace said.

Charlotte has struggled to begin the season, opening with a 9-19 record despite playoff aspirations.

"I'm surprised it wasn't a call for me going someplace else," guard Stephen Jackson said. "We were playing so bad I knew something was going to happen."

Both Jackson and Wallace praised Brown for the work he did individually with both players.

"We're definitely going to miss coach Brown, but we have to take just as much blame as anybody for not playing well and causing coach Brown to leave," Jackson said.

Stephen Silas, son of Paul Silas, has accepted a position as the top assistant coach of the Charlotte Bobcats.

Silas had been assistant coach of the Warriors for five seasons.

"He said he wanted me to come with him and 'I couldn't do it without you,' " the younger Silas said. "And it wasn't like it used to be ? I can't do it without you because I need you around. Now it's 'I can't do it without you because of how good of a coach you are.' That feels good to hear your dad say that. It's hard to turn that down."

Silas may return to the Warriors if the elder Silas doesn't remain as head coach of the Bobcats next season.