Tim Povtak of the Orlando Sentinel reports: Dave Checketts, who spent seven years as CEO of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers and Madison Square Garden, is organizing a partnership to pursue the purchase of the Orlando Magic.

Checketts, 46, also the former vice president and general manager of NBA International, has been idle since his departure from Madison Square Garden last spring.

Magic officials declined to comment on any potential buyers or on any progress they have made, but two NBA sources confirmed the interest and Checketts' plans.

Although he was unavailable for comment Thursday, Checketts likely would commit to keeping the team in Central Florida. Sources say he would have no trouble finding partners for the deal. It would be similar to Pat Croce's purchase of the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996.