Knicks closing in on Francis deal...

[Kings113]

SI.com - 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.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/marty_burns/02/21/francis/index.html

Hole at SG? Magic have an improved, good player in DeShawn Stevenson already there.

 

[jacobdrj]

This is kind of a spin. Crawford is filler. The basic idea is to get rid of Francis, even if it means taking Crawford on at the expence of anyone, including Deshawn Stevenson.

 

[Kings113]

Simply wouldn't see him starting because of his versatility on both ends of the floor, and how he has improved over the last year or so.

Crawford would come off the bench as a 6th man.

 

[Padrino]

i wonder if isiah thomas knows what a roleplayer is...

 

[Bricklayer]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/marty_burns/02/21/francis/index.html

Hole at SG? Magic have an improved, good player in DeShawn Stevenson already there.

Eh...I really don't think Stevenson is very good. At all. He just eats minutes, but he's never blossomed.

11.9pts 3.2rebs 2.0ast 0.7stl in 34min a night? And he just ocmpletely disappears 1 night in 3. Not sure anybody, himself included, has ever figured out exactly what it is he's supposed to be good at. Where the heart is to his game.

I'm no huge fan of Crawford, and find it rather amusing they would replace one gunning Pg type with another. But he's clearly an upgrade over Stevenson.

 

[Bricklayer]

BTW, just knowing our own mysterious interest in Crawford a few years back, this also works:

Orlando Trade Breakdown
Outgoing
Steve Francis
6-3 PG from Maryland
16.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.7 apg in 37.9 minutes

Incoming
Bonzi Wells
6-5 SG from Ball State
14.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.1 apg in 34.4 minutes
Maurice Taylor
6-9 PF from Michigan
6.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 0.6 apg in 17.3 minutes
Change in team outlook: +4.7 ppg, +6.5 rpg, and -2.0 apg.

Sacramento Trade Breakdown
Outgoing
Bonzi Wells
6-5 SG from Ball State
14.6 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 3.1 apg in 34.4 minutes

Incoming
Jamal Crawford
6-5 SG from Michigan
14.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.0 apg in 33.4 minutes
Change in team outlook: -0.6 ppg, -4.6 rpg, and +0.9 apg.

New York Trade Breakdown
Outgoing
Maurice Taylor
6-9 PF from Michigan
6.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 0.6 apg in 17.3 minutes
Jamal Crawford
6-5 SG from Michigan
14.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.0 apg in 33.4 minutes

Incoming
Steve Francis
6-3 PG from Maryland
16.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.7 apg in 37.9 minutes
Change in team outlook: -4.1 ppg, -1.9 rpg, and +1.1 apg.

Successful ScenarioDue to Orlando, Sacramento, and New York being over the cap, the 25% trade rule is invoked. Orlando, Sacramento, and New York had to be no more than 125% plus $100,000 of the salary given out for the trade to be accepted, which did happen here. This trade satisfies the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.


Just throwing it out there.

 

[Kings113]

Well, from watching the Magic a bunch this season (because of mainly Dwight Howard, along with Dooling/Nelson/Francis), I was mainly talking about Stevenson's improvement on defense and his jumpshot (along with his athleticism and driving ability). Not overall or as a really good player.

Just would be surprised to see him taken out of the line-up for how he's played, and have Crawford replace him. Also would think it'd disrupt team chemistry. Hence why I'd expect Crawford to come off the bench if he is indeed dealt to Magic. Crawford is certainly a capable starter though.

 

[¿¿¿]

I was hoping Steve Francis would go to Denver.

 

[Kings113]

Speaking of the Magic, Magic/Cavs tonight at 7EST. Should be a damn good game, along with Darko's Magic debut. Not expecting anything huge, but obviously some solid minutes.

Also gotta be checking out the Hornets/Pacers..

 

[¿¿¿]

Speaking of the Magic, Magic/Cavs tonight at 7EST. Should be a damn good game, along with Darko's Magic debut. Not expecting anything huge, but obviously some solid minutes.

is that gonna be on TV? Other than NBA TV that I dont have...

 

[Kings113]

Well, if you have League Pass or are in Florida/Cleveland, then no.

 

[¿¿¿]

Well, if you have League Pass or are in Florida, then no.

or if you in Cleveland. Blah.

 

[Kings113]

NBA TV will have highlights and all that though.

 

[¿¿¿]

yea...Im just gonna have to wait till sportscenter

 

[Bibby_10]

I was hoping Steve Francis would go to Denver.

I was hoping Stevie would go to L.A. and he and Kobe would eventually hurt eachother real bad.

 

[Bad Boy Bo]

I was hoping Stevie would go to L.A. and he and Kobe would eventually hurt eachother real bad.

But with our luck, they'll get a long fine and they dominate the Pacific Division. I was hoping that happen also.