Corey Maggette was traveling to Chicago for a friend’s wedding when he received the news that he had been traded to the Charlotte Bobcats. He had just fallen asleep on his Virgin America flight when his friend came from across the plane to wake him up and tell him about the deal.

Because details were still emerging and Maggette couldn’t call anyone to verify what was happening, he sat on the plane wondering who else was being moved. He didn’t learn about the involvement of other players or a third-team, the Sacramento Kings, until his flight landed.

“I heard that there had probably been a trade,” Maggette said. “When I heard that it was to Charlotte, I actually didn’t even know that Stephen Jackson was traded. I was really happy about going to Charlotte and then playing with Jack again as well. Then, when I landed, I found out that Jack was traded, but I was still really looking forward to the great opportunity with the guys that we have.”

“It’s not going to get as cold in Charlotte as it did in Milwaukee so I was definitely looking forward to that too,” he said with a laugh.

After a rough season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Maggette is looking forward to a fresh start with the Bobcats. Last year, he was hampered by an ankle injury that took him out of the rotation early and put him at a disadvantage on the depth chart for the remainder of the season. He only started 18 games and averaged underwhelming numbers across the board.

“It was a little different in Milwaukee, especially coming off of ankle surgery,” Maggette said. “I didn’t really get the momentum I needed early on and Scott Skiles went with the guys that he was accustomed to playing. It was a different experience, but it was also an opportunity for me to grow, mature as a person and understand the ups and downs of basketball.  Now, the opportunity here in Charlotte, with what Paul Silas wants me to do, it’s definitely a breath of fresh air. I’m going to try to excel and help this ballclub in any way I can.”

At 31 years old, Maggette will take on more of a leadership role with the Bobcats and do his best to mentor the young talent on Charlotte’s roster.

“The guys that they have traded, they were definitely some pieces that were big for this ballclub,” Maggette said. “But I think we have an up-and-coming [team] with D.J. Augustin as well as Gerald Henderson and then bringing in Bismack Biyombo as well as Kemba Walker. Those are some great guys that can really start this process of greatness. They are the future of this ballclub and they need to continue to grow and get the experience to be great players.”

“I am the older guy on this team so I have to be a leader and set a better example for the guys,” he added. “I’m looking forward to that. We need a leader on this team and I’m one of the veteran guys that will have to step up and accept that challenge. Paul Silas has confidence in me to do that and so do the guys on our team.”

Maggette has plenty of experience when it comes to teaching younger players. Prior to being traded, he spent the first month of his summer at Impact Basketball in Las Vegas. Between workouts, he would work individually with prospects, including Gilbert Brown from the University of Pittsburgh. He would coach the young players, and oversee their workouts.

Now, as he looks at his new team, he wants to help mold Henderson into a star player. The two wings are both Duke products and Maggette has high hopes for the third-year player.

“I’m coming in to help this team. A great guy that I know I can help out is Gerald Henderson. We have an up-and-comer in Gerald Henderson. This is a kid that can be a superstar in this league. Last year when he got the opportunity to play, he really excelled. He has so much potential,” Maggette said.

“I think it’s really going to rejuvenate me, being able to play with these young guys,” he added with a laugh. “It’s a young feel and the sky is the limit. I’m just looking forward to playing with them. I can’t wait to help them out and then have them help me out as a player as well.”

Growing up in Chicago, Maggette always admired Michael Jordan and eventually developed a relationship with him once his own career started taking off. Now, he can’t wait to play for Jordan and has complete faith in his abilities as an owner.

“If you understand Michael Jordan’s game, then you know that he’s a winner,” Maggette said. “Eventually, he’s going to get to the point where he’s winning. He’s definitely trying to start that process and get the right caliber of players and leadership that he wants for his ballclub. When I heard that I was going to play for Michael Jordan’s team, it was an honor.”

{AUTHOR_BOX}”If you know Michael, he’s definitely starting in this field as an owner and still understanding about the business of basketball, but he’s an incredible winner,” he added. “He has an incredible drive and that’s something that Michael will never let go.”

The Bobcats have only nine players under contract for next season and their $47,481,490 payroll should fall under the cap in the next collective bargaining agreement. Maggette believes that Jordan will be able to attract free agents to Charlotte.

“Who wouldn’t want to play for Michael Jordan?” Maggette asked. “He’s one of the greatest players ever. I mean, when I heard about it, I was ecstatic about this. I think Mike is going to do a great job.”

One player that loved playing for Jordan was Stephen Jackson. He was very upset when he found out about the trade and Maggette did his best to console his former Golden State Warriors teammate when they spoke in recent days.

“I had the chance to talk to him,” Maggette said of Jackson. “He wasn’t happy about it. He was really happy in Charlotte. He loved all the fans, the organization, as well as playing for Michael. He really loved it in Charlotte, but he understands that this is business and this type of stuff happens. He was definitely looking forward to helping the team reach their goals and leading the way, but sometimes things happen. Its part of the business and now he just needs to move on and try to look forward to Milwaukee.”

Maggette never exactly felt home in Milwaukee and admits that his brief stint “didn’t go as expected.” Now, he’s excited to get a fresh start in Charlotte and he’s ready to do whatever he can to help the Bobcats experience success.