>Okafor averaged 13.7 points and 10.7 rebounds a game last season, and led the team in blocked shots (1.7 per game) and field-goal percentage (53.5). Brown has said it's critical they retain Okafor for his defense and inside presence on a team that struggled to rebound last season.

With the team losing money and struggling to sell tickets, there is added pressure to reach the playoffs next season for the first time. Keeping Okafor -- or getting a quality big man in a sign-and-trade deal -- is essential. But because of complicated salary-cap rules, it would be difficult for the Bobcats to pull off a sign-and-trade.<