Michael Jordan's comeback as a player for the Wizards was partially packaged as a great business move by MJ since, win or lose, he'd drive up the value of the franchise which he'd later control again from the front office.

Remember all that talk two years ago? Well, the New York Times is reporting on its Web site that Jordan may not be rejoining the Wizards' front office at all.

The newspaper's story reports that a meeting planned for later this week between Jordan and Wizards owners Abe Pollin and Ted Leonsis may end their partnership rather than extend it, as initially intended.

The relationship between Jordan and the franchise has soured, two anonymous team sources told the Times, which cited player resentment toward Jordan and ownership misgivings about Jordan's work ethic as an executive.

An Eastern Conference official, also speaking anonymously, told the newspaper that Jordan further angered the Wizards by having his advisers plot meetings about Jordan's possible ownership of other NBA teams.

This comes on the heels of GM Wes Unseld's decision to take a leave of absence after the June 26 NBA draft and throws doubt over the return of coach Doug Collins.

"All issues pertaining to the future direction of the franchise will be discussed later this week," Pollin, 79, said through a spokesman in the report.

Jordan had no comment to the newspaper, which added that Collins was on vacation and had not returned messages.

The Wizards, who finished with a record of 37-45 for the second consecutive season, did not make the playoffs for the sixth straight time.

Talk at the end of the season became increasingly hostile.

Jerry Stackhouse recently told the Washington Post: "Without Michael, we could be just as good of a team. I look forward to that challenge and I know other guys in this locker room, even though they may not say it, are looking forward to that challenge, too."