The Carolina Hurricanes and Charlotte Bobcats could trade off preseason exhibition games next season, but the plans have not been finalized.

In an effort to generate more interest for the two teams in the state's two biggest markets, the Hurricanes would play the Atlanta Thrashers at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte and the Bobcats would play the Miami Heat at the RBC Center.

The tentative dates are Sept. 25 for the NHL game in Charlotte and Oct. 19 for the NBA game in Raleigh. But uncertainty surrounding the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, which expires June 30, and the Thrashers' ownership could become a factor in the two games being played.

The Hurricanes' American Hockey League affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, play their home games at Time Warner Cable Arena.