By: Tyler Ward
In a rather stupifying statement, Magic Johnson announced Friday that he would be interested in joining a group to buy his home-state Detroit Pistons. If he is not able to latch onto a group, he would be willing to join the Pistons in a front office position. Johnson has lately explored ideas of supplying a bigger role to an NBA franchise.
The ex-Laker noted that he had not had any formal talks with anybody regarding the Pistons investment. He also stated that he would not become a majority owner of any team, simply because he would have to cut ties with his old team, the Los Angeles Lakers. Before the NBA Hall of Fame ceremonies on Friday, Johnson told reporters, "Some people had called me and wanted me to [know] if I'm interested in being a part of a group to own the Pistons."
Johnson additionally added, "Somebody back there has to be the majority owner. Be the owner," said Johnson, who would have to sell his interest in the Lakers to work for or own another team.. "That wouldn't be me. But if Ilitch or somebody -- you've got a good guy back there already in Joe Dumars. If somebody said, 'Hey, can you come and think about helping Joe Dumars?' then I would think about it."The current owners of the Pistons, the Davidson family, are selling the team because of the death of the original owner, Bill Davidson. Karen Davidson, Bill's widow, has previously stated that the team would be sold before the start of the regular season (late October).
Apparently, Johnson was involved in a group that was close to purchasing the Golden State Warriors last month, but talks fell through. Peter Gruber and Joe Lacob ended up buying the team for an NBA-record $450 million.
Tigers and Red Wings owner Mike Illitch said that he would be interested in purchasing the Pistons to add to his repertoire.
