http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/bk/bkn/2648313 Deal with Magic no closer to done despite maneuvers The monster lives. The trade that would not die continued to move from late-night calls toward the light of day, with the Magic continuing to feed the beast. Steve Francis returned to Houston on Friday still a member of the Rockets; the Magic still refused to seal the deal to send Tracy McGrady to the Rockets. But every indication remained that the Magic still planned to complete a trade that was called close Monday. The Rockets continued to wait with the terms of the deal — Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato going to Orlando for McGrady, Juwan Howard, Reece Gaines and Tyronn Lue — unchanged; the Magic continued to send signals that eventually they could accept the offer. Early Friday morning, Francis' agent, Jeff Fried, described a phone conversation between Francis and Magic general manager John Weisbrod in which he said Francis was impressed with Weisbrod's plans for the Magic. Soon after Fried was through, Weisbrod called or met with several Orlando media members at about 2:30 a.m. to praise Francis, even commending Francis' initial reluctance to the trade as a sign of his commitment and loyalty to the Rockets. Weisbrod's efforts to reach out to the media in Orlando seemed a clear effort to rehabilitate Francis' image, a move that would seem to signal an intention to bring Francis to the team. But Weisbrod denied even being closer to a deal. "I don't look at it as a final hurdle but a good first step," Weisbrod said. "I promised Steve's agent when we got through with the draft that we'd talk again. I had a conversation and I felt like we connected. While it was over the phone, I felt it was a good productive conversation. "Last night was a good first step, and I look forward to following up on it. "But it doesn't put us any closer to anything being final." But the emphasis Friday was on introducing Dwight Howard, the first player chosen in the NBA draft Thursday night, to Orlando. Francis returned to Houston for the Nick Van Exel Charity Weekend and Celebrity Golf Tournament. "We took productive steps last night," Fried said. "Steve was very impressed with John. "I don't know if this interim period serves anyone very well. But you can't rush things without going through the right steps. "The steps taken in the last few days were pretty efficient steps." But somehow it figured that for all the steps taken, Weisbrod said the deal was no closer.
Wisebrod is full of crap. Even Les said the framework for the deal is done. He's just stalling to make everyone happy about the deal.
Are Les and Wisebrod on the same page? One thinks it's happening and the other, holding the cards, is wanting to take his time. This sucks.
That is EXACTLY what I thought when I read it. Why isn't Feigen talking to Francis, his agents or people around the Rockets? C'mon Jonny, get the scoop, brother.
I personally think the Magic's GM is hoping for a last minute better deal to come along either from the Rockets or another team. Whatever the case may be, since the Magic are at a disadvantage because of T-Mac desire to play for Houston. If I were Les I would privately tell the Magics GM that he has until X (put a date here) to close this trade or I would cancel the deal and seek another trade for Francis and company. But that's just me.
This is like amateur hour in Orlando featuring John Weisbrod! Dude, stop trying to sell your book and close the freaking deal!
Na, don't put a certain date down, just stir up some more talk with other teams. They'll get the hint.
Could the magic be holding out for the Mavs??? God i hope not, but if all this ammo that Dallas has aquired in the past few days (stack, laetner, harris), in addition to their existing bait (walker, finley), doesnt succeed in luring away shaq without the inclusion of Dirk...they probably will turn their attention to TMac. "dumd"brod might be holding out on the result of that before pulling the trigger here. Regardless of what his intentions are, there should be some serious league sanctioned reprocussions in the future for such hostaging. Hell, if it wasnt for T-Mac, id wish for the rox to pull out and give this fool nothing.
when will it end??????? i didnt want to wait until july 1st, a week ago when things started heating up. now i will gladly accept it if the deal were to be announced then. then i heard something about july 15. and even july 30. can we get this done before tmac and yao retire please?
I do think the Mavs are targeting Shaq. It seems to be for McGrady they would have to include Dirk--and then you wonder if they are really better short term or long term. What you have to think with Orlando is they want younger players to surround Howard than the likes of Finley, Stack (whose health is also questioned) or even Nash.
Lol. Why is eveyrone still getting mad, this article basically contains the same info as the others. Feigen is just trying to cause a little drama and get people intersted.
TM could end this now if he wanted to. Do we really want a man that will hide in the shadows, while so many people twist in the wind, when all he has to do is hold a press conference and go on record that he intends to sign with the Rockets next summer. It's like some teenage girl unable to decide what prom dress to have her parents buy her.
A team I have heard nothing about yet am surprised they are not playing in the Shaq/T-Mac games is Sacramento. Heck, I'd offer Peja, Christie, and anything else the Magic wanted. (Songaila, Martin, Minard, future picks?) Not sure if it is better than Houston's, but I'd try. How about Webber + Miller + a little extra for Shaq? If the teams could get over their distaste it could work out for them. Sac has to do something bold or again they will cap out in the 2nd or 3rd round of the WC.
