Francis to the Knicks?

[Phlegm]

From ccnsi.com:

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.

[Zanchief]

If this happened I would be a fan of the Magic. Howard, Nelson, Hill, Turkoglu AND Darko for comedic relief?

That's a fun team to watch.

[Rotj]

francis for penny hardaway's expiring contract + trevor ariza.

meh kinda no comment about it really..i like how they are focusing around dwight and jameer tho.

[Zanchief]

Sigh, the knicks are ruined for the next half decade.

They should pay-per-view a Larry Brown VS Isiah Thomas bout.

[Kramer]

i am so uninterested in the NBA that for second I forgot Steve Francis wasn't even in Houston anymore....

[Zanchief]

I thought he played for the grizzlies.

[lareau]

If this happened I would be a fan of the Magic. Howard, Nelson, Hill, Turkoglu AND Darko for comedic relief?

That's a fun team to watch.

How are they funny to watch? (for us non-basketball guru's?)

[Spliffs]

I think he was just referring to Darko as the comedic relief, not the whole team, but I could be wrong. Howard is a monster - and he's only freakin 20.

I am glad they got rid of Steve Francis, you can't build a team around him, he's a lousy point guard. He should move to the 2 guard. Which I suppose he will be doing in New York.

Orlando could go a long way with this. They're going to have something like 30 million in cap space after the '07 season. Hopefully they don't wind up with another Grant Hill situation.