Jerry Brewer of the Orlando Sentinel reports: In a move that could affect the up-for-sale Orlando Magic, the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday all but announced their intentions to relocate to New Orleans.

If the Hornets' plan becomes a reality -- and there are still several hurdles -- it could impact the Magic's future, for better or worse.

The pessimistic side: Charlotte, a basketball-loving city in a basketball-loving state, could become a player in the Magic's sale should it lose the Hornets. If a person or group were interested in bringing basketball back to Charlotte, the city might have enough clout with the NBA to make the move happen.


The optimistic side: Moving the Hornets to New Orleans would mean a second straight year involving franchise relocation for the image-conscious NBA. Such a move would make it near impossible for a third team to leave its city, because the league wants to prove its franchises have stability. Regardless of a new Magic owner's identity and intentions, the only option may be to stay in Orlando.