CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Jordan says while the league’s new collective bargaining agreement is a step toward improving competitive balance in the league it is far from perfect.

Jordan says he opposed the Chris Paul trade to the Los Angeles Lakers because “as a small market (owner) I’m very supportive of being able to keep your star player.”

Still, Jordan says he would be interested in signing the New Orleans guard if Paul becomes a free agent next year.

The Bobcats owner believes the new CBA will help level the playing field because of increased luxury tax implications for big-market teams that go over the salary cap to sign free agents.

Jordan says the new deal is “good for our market,” but adds, it is “not where we ultimately want it to be.”

Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.