'Celebrity Apprentice' -- NBC in the Market for Magic

Magic Johnson is on the NBC wishlist for the new host of "Celebrity Apprentice" ... TMZ has learned.

Well-connected 'Apprentice' sources tell us the plan is to find "a successful minority businessperson who's active in the inner cities." Magic certainly fits that bill. We're told there has been NO negotiation with him, but he's high on the list.

We're also told George Lopez is on that list. He doesn't have Magic's business cred, but he's hugely successful and a solid host. He also fills NBC's dream bill of getting a Latino to replace Trump. Lopez says he hasn't been contacted, but we're told all the discussions so far have been internal.