realGM has Francis's salary wrong for the 5th year. The Rockets will restrict Francis by taking the 4th yr Option by Oct 31st *this year*. (If they don't, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.) Then next summer by Oct 31st 2002, Francis will be signed to an extension at the league max....just like Vince got this summer (prior to his 4th yr). Francis will never see a 5th Year Qualifying Offer like realgm is showing. Kenny Thomas might, but Francis won't. <b>So what does this mean</b> Francis will never see the light of day as a free agent....restricted or otherwise. On July 1st 2003, Francis will be under contract for the league max.
Shandon, I know Griffin will be great but right now this is Francis's team and he has proved what he can do in the NBA. We quite don't know what Griffin will give us. Francis controls this team and makes it go. In time, Griffin will be as key as Francis, but I still think the team will be Francis's.
Them's fightin' words, Heypee! Granted, he will probably sign an extension, but we're not going to put it in until it is a done deal. In fact, I'm surprised we'd have numbers up for the 4th and 5th year before the Rocks formally picked up the 4th year option. I'll have to talk to someone about that.
Juan, The 4th yr is a manditory amount if picked up. I do not think there is negotiation on price. I'd agree that that should be shown, or his unrestricted free agent rate should be shown. That 5th yr rate is simply wrong. His hit could never be the qualifying offer amount shown. His hit is <b>the greater of</b> the any outstanding offer sheet, amt of a First Refusal Exercise Notice, <b>or his free agent hit (which is 300% of 4th yr salary).</b> Thus, Francis's 5th yr can only be 300% of 4th yr or the salary of an actual extended contract. I would make it 300% of 4th yr until otherwise changed. At least then realGM will show that the Rockets will have no cap room when Duncan becomes of free agent.
