Jordan paves way for NBA ownership

MICHAEL JORDAN appears set to become a NBA owner even as his former job guiding the Washington Wizards is taken over by the club he is expected to purchase.

The Milwaukee Bucks released Ernie Grunfeld from the final year of his general manager’s contract yesterday, paving the way for him to become the Wizards president of basketball operations, a job Jordan once had.

“I have one year left on my contract and the Bucks graciously have allowed me to resign and seek other employment,” Grunfeld said in a statement. The Bucks, who appointed Larry Harris as acting general manager, are for sale and a prospective buyer is Jordan, the NBA legend who guided Chicago to six league crowns but who parted ways bitterly with the Wizards.