If Michael Jordan wants to run the Charlotte Bobcats, he better say so soon.

He and Bobcats owner Bob Johnson will talk in the next week to resolve whether Jordan will head the basketball operation, a source familiar with the situation said. Johnson has waited several months for a decision by Jordan, and the team has to start building a basketball staff.

While declining to discuss details, Bobcats executive vice president Ed Tapscott confirmed Monday that the Jordan situation will be settled soon.

"Bob has indicated that there is a deadline in his mind for the discussions with Michael. I'm sure it's sooner, rather than later," Tapscott said. "I'm sure in the near term Michael and Bob will sit down and come to some decision."

Johnson offered the job -- and the chance to buy equity in the team -- as soon as Jordan left the Washington Wizards last spring. Jordan came close to buying the Milwaukee Bucks in July, before Herb Kohl took that team off the market.