Knicks close in on Francis

[OrlandoMagic (OrlandoMagic)]

Could Stevie Franchise soon be bound for Broadway?

The Knicks and Magic are close to a deal that would send three-time All-Star
guard Steve Francis to New York for a package of players, according to two
league sources. Details of the trade were still being worked out, according
to one of the sources, who emphasized that it had yet to be completed. The
Magic apparently have decided to wait until the last minute before Thursday's
trade deadline to see if any better offers come up.

If the trade goes through, it would represent yet another high-profile
acquisition for Knicks president Isiah Thomas, who already has added Larry
Brown, Quentin Richardson, Eddy Curry and Jalen Rose this season alone. The
6-foot-3 Francis has averaged 19.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.4 assists over
his seven-year NBA career. He would join Stephon Marbury to form a backcourt
with a combined five All-Star appearances.

The Knicks apparently are ready to send three players, including two regular
members of the rotation, to Orlando in the deal. Neither team's officials
will comment on any ongoing trade talks, but it is likely Jamal Crawford and
Maurice Taylor would be included. The Magic are in a rebuilding mode, and the
6-5 Crawford is considered an intriguing young talent who would be able to
step in and help fill the team's hole at shooting guard. Taylor would likely
be included to help make the salaries match Francis' $13.7 million a year.

Francis, who was traded from Houston to Orlando last season as part of the
Tracy McGrady deal, has been unhappy with his role this season under new
Magic coach Brian Hill. Last month he refused to re-enter a game late in a
blowout loss at Seattle, and was suspended two games. He later apologized,
but the Magic soon after decided to listen to offers for a possible trade.

Francis, who celebrates his 29th birthday Tuesday, might welcome a change of
scenery. He clearly has looked frustrated this season, and heads into the
post All-Star break averaging career-lows in points (16.3) rebounds (4.8),
assists (5.7) and three-point shooting (25.7 percent). He recently came out
and admitted his play had become affected by constant trade rumors.

As of last week, the Nuggets were considered the front-runner to acquire
Francis in a trade. But Denver reportedly was leery of picking up the
remainder of his contract (three years, $49 million). The Knicks, already
owners of the league's highest payroll, have no such concerns.


--
※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) 
◆ From: 218.170.51.234
→ UGround:...就在想說會不會有Maurice Taylor...這實在有點不划算..
→ UGround:不知道Taylor的肥約是到什麼時候為止
推 hjshief:到明年，今年9.1M，明年9.75M
推 talenlo:或許送走小法對戰績影響不大　也可逼使狀元成長
→ talenlo:不過跟尼克交易換來的球員感覺對輔助狀元沒啥用
推 Kestrel:從T-Mac到Francis再到Crawford  像在下樓梯一樣 >"<
推 mchardy:這個交易...不懂尼克在想什麼..也不知道魔術在想什麼orz