Who would you be happy getting in return for Francis?

It is hard to trade SF now. He doesn't have good outside shooting. He won't get layup like he did before ( because of the Zone Defense). It is very hard to get his value back ( I mean Max contract) for return.
Hay!!!

Our poor Rox fans!!!

 

We're limited in the number of teams that we can trade with. If Steve was to be dealt, it would almost certainly be with an Eastern Conference team. Boston is the most viable trade partner at this point because they have a proven commodity in Paul Pierce, who could help us stretch defenses with his outside shooting. The Celtics would be Steve's team, and he wouldn't have to worry about getting Chris Mihm his shots.

Of course this would probably necessitate a third party deal in which either Jim Jackson or Cuttino Mobley goes to Philly in exchange for Eric Snow. Mobley would love to go back home in Philly and play with his old buddy, Kenny Thomas. Meanwhile, we get the pass first, low turnover PG in Eric Snow. Jim Jackson moves over to the 2 spot.

 

Due to his BYC year, these may have to wait until after we go down in flames in the playoffs.
Some of these are based on the fact that, despite the fact we are good enough to make the playoffs, we are not even close to a championship and we are not in a position to add enough talent to do so.

1. Francis + Cato for Gasol and Miller
This would leave a hole at PG, but that could be solved by other trades (involving Mobley or SFs). Memphis does this because SF is better than either guy they give up and they have SF's waiting in the wings. Houston loves this because Gasol would be a great complement to Yao in the post - try driving on 7' and 7'6. Plus, Miller is one of the best long range threats in the league.
Other variants with Memphis: Also include Cat; Mobley+ for Miller.

2. SF+Mo for Chandler and their #1 or Crawford
This would leave a hole at G, unles we get Crawford. But, getting rid of Mos' $$ and getting Chandler who would be great next to Yao would be worth it. The draft pick would be sweet also. Chicago does this to actually get an all-star that they can promote.
Other variants with Chicago: Include Cat for Crawford and #1; Cat+Cato for Chandler.

3. Any combination of (SF+Cat+Mo+Cato+rest of team+trade exception) for Amare(or Marion +salary cap fodder
More of a pipe dream trade. Phoenix will be adding a high draft pick and has cap room. Marion and Amare are young and can only get better. I doubt Phoenix does this, but I wouls love to have Amare and Yao together - even if we had nothing else for a couple of years.
Variants: Anything except Yao that gets Amare.

4. SF+JJ(or Piatowski/Nachbar)+Cato for Wilcox+Jaric+ Maggette(or Quentin)
LA gets a star to pair with Brand and a better center and only gives up backups. Houston likes this because Wilcox could be very complimentary to Yao and Maggette(or Quentin) would add the outside scoring lost by SF. Jaric (or Dooling) would hopefulyl be able to play the starting PG.

5. SF+MoT for Kwame+Arenas
Arenas is a downgrade but getting rid of MoT's $$ and getting a PF that could still blossom (remeber JOneal at his age?) would make it worthwhile.
Variants: Anyone except SF, Cat or Yao for Kwame.

6. SF for Ray Allen
Allen is a better shooter and would compliment Yao. This would mean Mobley would need to be traded also (hopefully got Mike Miller or a decent PG).

7. Any deal that gets us the following withoug giving up Yao: Kobe, McGrady, Pierce, Ben Wallace, Iverson, Baron Davis, Vince Carter, Marion, Amare, Dirk, or one of the untouchable 4(Shaq/Garnett/Lebron/Duncan)

 

Steve for Pippen, straight up

 

In the JVG system and to help Yao we need a high percentage shooter. Plain and simple - so hopefully we get high percentage shooter/s in return for SF.