SI.com: Knicks close on Francis trade - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

Evilmav2 · 02-22-2006, 03:54 AM

Knicks Close In On Francis Trade

Deal with Orlando for All-Star nearing completion
Posted: Tuesday February 21, 2006 1:24PM; Updated: Tuesday February 21, 2006 1:32PM

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 ste 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.

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_ar...francis_trade/

EricaLubarsky · 02-22-2006, 04:16 AM

can I say it?

What in the hell?

Marbury, Francis, Robinson...maybe Crawford?

Evilmav2 · 02-22-2006, 04:23 AM

It's beautiful isn't it

? (As long as you aren't a Knick's fan)

Stranger · 02-22-2006, 05:21 AM

Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!

Do you think they can assemble a starting line of shoot-first, ball-hogging point guards? Maybe trade for Baron Davis, let Jalen Rose start center...

atrewsfan · 02-22-2006, 08:58 AM

Isaiah is aggressive in terms of trying to improve the team, but:

"There is nothing worse than aggressive stupidity."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 - 1832)

MavKikiNYC · 02-22-2006, 10:01 AM

You almost want to go to MSG just to see the spectacle. It's like going into the freak show at the carnival.

Watching Marbury and Francis fighting for the ball on the perimeter is really going to speed Eddy "Chicken" Curry's development.

Bring on the monkey sex.

sixeightmkw · 02-22-2006, 10:20 AM

Isaiah was a great basketball player, but is a very stupid owner. or what ever he is.

grbh · 02-22-2006, 12:47 PM

If this fails, and I think it will, don't ya'll think this will be Isiah's last hurrah in NYC.

I know the papers in NY have been crucifying him for some time. Me thinks the hammer will fall at the end of the season if the Knicks don't play dramatically better after this trade.

orangedays · 02-22-2006, 01:03 PM

This is just conjecture but it may be possible that Thomas is trading for Francis as a replacement for Marbury?

Nash13 · 02-22-2006, 02:35 PM

Reportedly Completed.

They say it's for Penny/Ariza. I really dislike Francis, but what a steal. That's a first for the Knicks.

Dtownsfinest · 02-22-2006, 02:41 PM

IF that's the deal you can't argue with it. Knicks clearly got the better end of the deal. Especially if their plan is to move Starbury. STARbury and FranCHISE on the same team. Larry Brown is a genius if he gets this to work. A core of Eddy Curry, Channing Frye, Q-Rich, Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury isn't half bad. I'm not sure what lineup the Knicks are running out there though. I think they may have Jalen Rose starting over Q-Rich.

Rhylan · 02-22-2006, 03:17 PM

Francis, Rose and Marbury... three career losers. They are the NBA equivalent of Ross Perot's NAFTA -- their presence creates a giant sucking sound.

Quentin Richardson is overrated, too... unless you can put him back with Nash, Marion, and Amare, he's going nowhere. He used to pound his fists on his head with Darius Miles, remember? That removes all credibility.

MavsFanFinley · 02-22-2006, 03:36 PM

Surely they have something else lined up now that the Francis deal is complete. Tell me they won't stick with that roster for the rest of the season.

MavKikiNYC · 02-22-2006, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dtownsfinest

IF that's the deal you can't argue with it. Knicks clearly got the better end of the deal. Especially if their plan is to move Starbury. STARbury and FranCHISE on the same team. Larry Brown is a genius if he gets this to work. A core of Eddy Curry, Channing Frye, Q-Rich, Steve Francis and Stephon Marbury isn't half bad. I'm not sure what lineup the Knicks are running out there though. I think they may have Jalen Rose starting over Q-Rich.

If that's the deal, ...wow. It makes you wonder exactly why Orlando is willing to let him go for so little. Sometimes less is more.

Haven't ever heard a serious word (only message board conjecture) about them trying to move Starbury. Don't think they're looking to at this point. What's more, wouldn't make any sense. They're clones, though Marbury seems to've been the steadier producer. Probably another trade to come, but it's almost certain to involve Crawford.

Rose has moved ahead of Q-Rich (who's been injured) into the starting rotation. Looking at an opening lineup of Marbury, Francis, Rose, X and Curry--no defense, no one who plays without the ball. Rose is the best one at creating for teammates, but he's 33. They're not going to build around him.

I expect Brown to retire before he gets real production out of a Starbury/Franchise combo, but hell....let'em play. They're not likely to get worse.

Crazy.

dalmations202 · 02-22-2006, 04:01 PM

Just what the development of Nate Robinson needed, another me first PG to learn from.................LOL

dirno2000 · 02-22-2006, 04:17 PM

So now Larry Brown has two point guards who are on record as not wanting to play point guard.

Seriously, why even try to play defense at this point? The one thing they have is fire power so why not just push the ball up the court and try to get 105 a night...at least that would be entertaining. In fact, bring back Nellie for a couple of years.

MikeB · 02-22-2006, 04:32 PM

Bring back Nellie?
Hmmm...not a bad idea. He'd get'm in the playoffs and compete with Phoenix for the scoring title.

Dirkenstien · 02-22-2006, 04:44 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2339941

So much for KG going to new york

#41 · 02-22-2006, 04:48 PM

To bad we don't play the Knicks till next season...

orangedays · 02-22-2006, 04:57 PM

The Knicks are looking like an intriguing team now...two, count'em TWO tweeners manning the guard positions, a "point forward", and a center who can't rebound. These guys are going to be absolutely destroyed on the boards, and from what I can remember, neither Francis nor Marbury are particularly good defenders. Run n' Gun? I don't think the Knicks have any other choice.

*edit: Haha...just realized that in place of Tracy McGrady, the Magic now have Trevor Ariza. Someone needs to be fired.

Drbio · 02-22-2006, 05:20 PM

Watching the Knicks is like driving up on a fatal traffic accident. You just can't help but look but you know what you see is going to ruin your day and turn your stomach.

MavKikiNYC · 02-22-2006, 05:25 PM

News Bulletin: Anucha Browne Sanders offered to settle with the Knicks for $2M.

Zeke countered with a $50M offer over 6 years.

Drbio · 02-22-2006, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MavKikiNYC

News Bulletin: Anucha Browne Sanders offered to settle with the Knicks for $2M.

Zeke countered with a $50M offer over 6 years.

hahahaha

DevinHarriswillstart · 02-22-2006, 06:58 PM

You know, I was actually semi-surprised that Rob Babcock got fired in Toronto, since he was fired during a semi-turnaround. They were playing better. He made a fantastic trade for Mike James. Drafted Villaneuva (who knew this guy was gonna be as good as he has been so far.

But Isaiah Thomas still keeping this job? He is as bad of a GM as he was a coach. You were great as a player Mr. Thomas, but come on. You and Kevin Mchale only have your jobs because you were once great. Both of you should have been fired ages ago and all you both are doing is destroying your teams. The Wolves and the Knicks are bad and in my opinion because of their GMs.

alby · 02-22-2006, 07:09 PM

Blame the overrated coach as much as Isiah.

dude1394 · 02-22-2006, 07:13 PM

Wow...Just when I thought the knicks couldn't get any stupider on the court than Stephon Marbury, they pick up dumb as a rock stevie franchise. Of course they have to go a ways to get studier than Isiah.

Even for someone who doesn't like Larry Brown (me) I wouldn't wish that knucklehead on them.

grbh · 02-22-2006, 07:17 PM

double post

DevinHarriswillstart · 02-22-2006, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alby

Blame the overrated coach as much as Isiah.

And the other coaches that have to suffer with rosters picked by these terrible GMs? It was Isaiah who offered Brown that ridiculous contract. What in the hell are you going to do with Marbury, Crawford, Curry, Francis, Rose? They should just literally rename the knicks the ballhogs. These guys are going to hog it so much that you might as well forget about the development of Frye and Robinson.

alby · 02-22-2006, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevinHarriswillstart

And the other coaches that have to suffer with rosters picked by these terrible GMs? It was Isaiah who offered Brown that ridiculous contract. What in the hell are you going to do with Marbury, Crawford, Curry, Francis, Rose? They should just literally rename the knicks the ballhogs. These guys are going to hog it so much that you might as well forget about the development of Frye and Robinson.

no question about it, this franchise is an embarassment
david stern should get the final approval for their moves lol
the NBA needs the knicks to be at least be respectable...

dude1394 · 02-22-2006, 08:25 PM

Knicks need to stay stupid, then they can suck up all of the bad contracts.

DevinHarriswillstart · 02-22-2006, 08:30 PM

I don't care if they are bad. I care that Thomas and Mchale have jobs just because of their names. Being a great player doesn't make you a great anything else in life necessarily.

Five-ofan · 02-22-2006, 10:20 PM

Mchale had been a pretty good gm until the cassel trade. He mortaged the future that kg was a good enough leader to make spree step in line. It worked for a year and if cassel hadnt gotten hurt i sincerely believe they win the title that year. IT didnt then spree lost what little mind he had left and they look bad. Then he got rid of cassel because of locker room problems but what he forgot is that cassel is the one true winner they had on their team. Give him 2 years and they will be respectable again. That said if i was them i would blow it up and trade garnett if i could BUT that would mean he gets fired so he is just screwed. BTW about this trade, this has huge come back and bite you in the ass potential for both teams. Francis is THE most talented pg in the nba. He is an ass and an idiot and i would cry if the mavs ended up with him but those kind of talents always have come back and bite you in the ass potential. Ariza is the next gerald wallace imo. Ridiculous athletecism. No clue why they didnt play him. BTW they darko arroyo and ariza for tmac and not just ariza but still. Very bad.

BTW why does isiah not see what everyone else does that francis and marbury just dont fit at all? If he was a better gm i would say he is aquiring pieces to trade but i dont trust him to make the right trades then. That said he has done the best job i have ever seen of turning once valued commodities into albatrosses once they get to the knicks.

dude1394 · 02-22-2006, 10:35 PM

I think you are giving McHale WAY too much credit. He's had arguably the best big man in the game for years and has done nothing.

When they let Billups get away, I knew he was an idiot.

Five-ofan · 02-22-2006, 10:42 PM

When did he have duncan or shaq?

dude1394 · 02-22-2006, 10:51 PM

Semantics.. KG certainly was a top 3(?) player and I see no reason that a championship couldn't have been built around him.

grbh · 02-22-2006, 10:51 PM

I read today that if Isiah does get fired he has an open invitation to be the commish in the NBDL

Five-ofan · 02-22-2006, 11:01 PM

Duncan has always been better than kg. Shaq has been better until this year. Kobe as much as i hate him is better. Dirk has been better the last 2 years. That puts him at the edge of the top 5 along with AI tmac lebron dwade and people that ilk. He was top 5 for a while but i dont think so anymore. Also I think it is very possible to say they would have won a title if cassell didnt get hurt. One team wins a title. Thusly having one great player especially if he isnt the best doesnt guarantee you a ring at all. Garnett is scottie pippen without Jordan. Would be the amazing if he could be the second best player on his team if he could accept it but his game just isnt that of a player you build your entire team around.

alby · 02-22-2006, 11:34 PM

I think Isiah is trying to screw up that team as much as he can before he is fired.

Five-ofan · 02-22-2006, 11:37 PM

The thing is, that team has SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much more talent than it did when he got there. In fact if nellie felt like coming out of retirement i think he could win 50 with that team next year but i just dont see how they fit without nelly or dantoni. Only 2 guys i could see making that team work.

Dtownsfinest · 02-22-2006, 11:47 PM

I know some will disagree but give Isiah until the trade deadline. At some point, Larry Brown is going to get his players on that team. Ever since Larry Johnson retired that Knicks franchise has been doo doo. That really hurt them and IMO they are still lingering from it. Who knows. Isiah may have a plan here. I did say this when they picked up Jamal Crawford and Q-Rich after already having Tim Thomas and Marbury but he may actually be on to something here. He seems to be on point with his draft. Probably his only good draft as GM.