[cnnsi] Knicks close in on Francis

oh the drama that is the nba, i bet you you most of the trades will happen on the deadline.

 

link -ny times
February 22, 2006
Knicks' Deal for Francis Is More Likely Than Not
By HOWARD BECK

GREENBURGH, N.Y., Feb. 21 — The rebuilding effort by Isiah Thomas is as unsightly as promised, probably more so, and there is no telling whether his next bold move, which appears imminent, will make matters better or worse.

Thomas, the Knicks' president, has a deal in place to acquire guard Steve Francis from the Orlando Magic, and the trade could be completed as early as Wednesday, according to a person involved in the discussions. The person, who was granted anonymity because he was not authorized to talk about the negotiations publicly, said a trade bringing Francis to New York was "more likely than not."

Knicks officials would not confirm or deny that a deal was in place, but they have made no attempts to dispel the recent rumors about a Francis deal.

The current proposal, according to the person, would send guard Jamal Crawford, forward Maurice Taylor and possibly the swingman Trevor Ariza to Orlando. The Knicks would obtain Francis and forward Pat Garrity.

Penny Hardaway's expiring contract, which the Knicks have sought to use in a number of potential deals, would not be included in the Francis trade. Hardaway could still be moved in a deal to land one of the Knicks' other targets, among them Portland's Theo Ratliff and Darius Miles, and Denver's Earl Watson.

Francis, a three-time All-Star with the Houston Rockets, has had a rocky tenure with the Magic, which acquired him in June 2004 in a package for Tracy McGrady. The Magic suspended Francis for two games last month after he refused to re-enter a game against Seattle.

Francis later apologized, but the Magic began fielding trade offers, and Thomas — who has a history of gambling on expensive players with spotty résumés — began his pursuit. Francis, who turned 29 on Tuesday, makes $13.8 million this season and is owed $48 million over the next three seasons.

Knicks officials believe their rebuilding effort — which Thomas called "ugly," "dirty," "bloody" and "embarrassing" Tuesday — would be accelerated by Francis, who has career averages of 19.4 points, 6.4 assists and 6 rebounds.

Like the Knicks' Stephon Marbury, Francis is a scoring point guard who has grated on teammates and coaches at times. The Knicks, however, envision Francis and Marbury forming a dangerous tandem, with each capable of running the offense, breaking down defenses off the dribble and scoring from anyplace on the court.

But neither is known for his defense, and neither Francis (6 foot 3) nor Marbury (6-2) has the size to defend opposing shooting guards.

Garrity, an eight-year veteran, would be acquired to meet N.B.A. rules that require a roughly equal amount of salary on each side of the deal. A skilled perimeter shooter, the 6-9 Garrity has a career .404 average beyond the 3-point line.

The league trading deadline is 3 p.m. Thursday, and a report on Sports Illustrated's Web site suggested that Orlando was waiting to see if a more attractive offer surfaced.

Orlando wants to rebuild around Dwight Howard, a 20-year-old power forward taken first over all in the 2004 draft.

At various times, the Knicks considered Crawford and Ariza to be key pieces of their rebuilding effort, and off-limits in trade talks. On Tuesday, in a 17-minute session with reporters, Thomas said he would trade his young prospects only to obtain a star player.

Thomas did not comment on specific trade rumors, or predict that he would complete a deal by Thursday, but he said that Hardaway's contract remained in play. He indicated that the team's ownership was willing to continue increasing the Knicks' payroll, currently a league-high $120 million.

The Knicks reached the All-Star Game break with a 15-37 record, 10 games out of the playoff field in the Eastern Conference. Thomas did not rule out a deal to save the season, but he also said, "I don't feel like we're in panic mode, that we have to do something."

Thomas added: "We have a coach that wants some relief right now, and if we can satisfy him and do that for him, we will. We won't do anything that compromises our future, but we'll also try to make sure we improve our present."

After signing the Hall of Fame Coach Larry Brown and acquiring center Eddy Curry before the season, the Knicks figured to hover at least around .500 and perhaps grab a playoff berth. For the first time, Thomas said that the team he assembled was much worse than anticipated.

"It's definitely been a disappointment in terms of where we are today," he said, "because we have a great coach, I think we have good players. But for whatever reason, it hasn't come together."

Record aside, Thomas said the Knicks were "still in a better place" than they were a year ago, because the roster has better talent and depth. But he conceded that the current group might have chemistry problems.

"Thus far, you'd have to say that's true," he said, adding, "Maybe it's not the right mix."

Thomas dismissed suggestions that he and Brown had conflicting agendas but did not try to dispel the notion that players had grown weary of Brown's relentless criticism.

"If I could wish for anything right now, I would just wish that the players and the coaches could really find that happy medium," Thomas said, "because when you talk about the chemistry and everything else, that may be a problem."

Thomas, standing firmly behind Brown, said it was up to the players to adapt.

"If the players can't get along with the coach, then the players will have to go," Thomas said. "We're not getting rid of the coach. We're riding with the coach."