Francis to NY

[nathan]

Sources: Francis dealt to Knicks for Penny, Ariza
By Chris Sheridan
ESPN Insider


Steve Francis is headed to New York under a deal agreed to Wednesday by the Knicks and the Orlando Magic, ESPN.com has learned.

The teams agreed to a trade of Francis for Penny Hardaway and Trevor Ariza, two league sources with knowledge of the deal told ESPN.com.

The trade was expected to be announced later Wednesday afternoon after being called in to the league office.

In New York, Francis will be paired with Stephon Marbury as the highest-paid backcourt duo in the NBA.

The Knicks were still talking with several other clubs as team president Isiah Thomas worked at remaking a roster that has stumbled to the league's second-worst record, 15-37.

For the Magic, the trade will provide salary cap relief to a franchise that can now go further beneath the cap than any of the league's 30 teams in the summer of 2007 when a bumper crop of free agents will be on the market, giving Orlando several options in figuring out how to rebuild around 20-year-old power forward Dwight Howard.

Should be interesting.....

 

[abomb]

Should be interesting.....

Yeah, trainwrecks usually are.

A-Bomb

 

[Chaplin]

If you ignore the money issue for a moment, this does appear to be a good trade for the Knicks. Francis for 2 guys that barely get off the bench is a good trade. Francis and Marbury together? That's where things get dicey.

 

[ProdigalSun]

<~~~ Isiah Thomas

 

[Mike Olbinski]

I laugh when I realize from time to time that Penny is still in the league...

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

just when you thought isiah thomas couldn't be any more isiah thomas he pulls another isiah thomas. wow.

 

[Chaz]

In New York, Francis will be paired with Stephon Marbury as the highest-paid backcourt duo in the NBA.

I can't imagine Marbury will be there much longer.
Then again with Isiah, who knows?



So far Orlando dumps Francis for Ariza and cap space.
At first I thought, that's it?

In this case it is probably addition by subtraction.

 

[Chaplin]

Orlando now will have the most cap space of any team this summer.

 

[fordronken]

I'm taking bets on whether or not we will see the first ever zero assist game this season. Both guys are gonna be terrified of never getting the ball back, so they're just gonna take turns getting the ball from out of bounds and then dribbling until the shot clock runs down and they have to shoot a bad three or miss an off balance lay up.

 

[elindholm]

I laugh when I realize from time to time that Penny is still in the league...

On the contract the Suns signed him to, no less.

 

[Chaplin]

Here is a list of the top 25 free agents... Ben Wallace will no doubt be resigned by Detroit, but #2 is Al Harrington? It doesn't do much good to get a ton of cap space when there isn't anyone worth using it on...

1. Ben Wallace, Detroit Pistons (Unrestricted)
Don't expect Big Ben to tower over the market. Pistons president Joe Dumars and Wallace will quietly work out a four-year contract (anything longer would bring the dreaded "over-36" rule into play) likely starting somewhere in the area of $11-12 million per year. Wallace will be eligible to earn much more -- as a 10-year veteran he can get a deal with a starting salary equal to 35 percent of the salary cap ($18.2 million if the cap comes in at $52 million) -- but all indications, including his plans to have an attorney rather than an agent do the contract, point to his staying with the powerhouse Pistons.


2. Al Harrington, Atlanta Hawks (Unrestricted)
Harrington, just 25, will have eight years of NBA service time when this season is complete. His free agent deal can be worth as much as 30 percent of the cap ($15.6 million if the cap is $52M), although few would judge the athletic small forward as a max player. Although he'll be one of the few quality free agents out there, if Chicago spends its cap space on someone else, his options might come down to New Orleans and Charlotte -- or a sign-and-trade deal to a team willing to pay Harrington's price. If Atlanta decides to trade Harrington before the Feb. 23 deadline, his new team will acquire his Bird rights and can exceed the cap to retain him.


3. Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks (Unrestricted)
Just two years after losing Steve Nash, the Mavs could be in position to have another playmaker bolt town if the market brings Terry an offer that owner Mark Cuban would not want to match. But the Mavs have Terry's Bird rights and can give him a deal with 10.5 percent raises, while other teams could offer only 8 percent annual raises. Terry will likely succeed in getting a five- or six-year deal, and it's a safe bet at this point that the Mavs will keep him.

4. Vladimir Radmanovic, Seattle SuperSonics (Unrestricted)
They don't come much more one-dimensional than Radmanovic, the 6-foot-11 sharpshooter who knocked down eight 3-pointers Sunday against the Knicks and somehow grabbed 12 rebounds Monday against Philly. After turning down a $42 million offer from Seattle last summer in favor of a one-year tender, Radmanovic needed to play to boost his value. He wasn't playing under Bob Weiss, but Bob Hill is starting him and drawing up new plays to get him open looks. He's only 25 and many believe he has more long-term upside than his countryman and fellow free agent Peja Stojakovic.

5. Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento Kings (Early termination option)
Peja ranked below Vlad? Well, just look at the way Stojakovic's numbers have deteriorated from where they were two years ago -- his scoring average has dropped from 24.2 to 17.0, he's making less than 40 percent of his 3-pointers, and his overall shooting percentage is his worst since his rookie season. Maybe that's a product of the miserable season the Kings are having, or maybe it's a sign that Stojakovic's skills are already deteriorating at age 28, when he's on the verge of a once-in-a-lifetime contract opportunity. (Traded to Pacers on Jan. 25)

6. Nene, Denver Nuggets (Restricted)
The Nuggets are of the belief that some team will make Nene an offer that they'll have no interest in matching, which is why they've been listening to trade proposals from teams interested in acquiring the 23-year-old Brazilian who blew out his knee the day after turning down an extension from Denver.

7. Mike James, Toronto Raptors (Player option)
It's time for the 30-year-old to cash in, having gone from journeyman to career backup to starter in Toronto, where he's the steadiest offensive player for the Raptors, with the exception of Chris Bosh. After Terry, he's looking like the best free agent-to-be guard out there.

8. Bobby Jackson, Memphis Grizzlies (Unrestricted)
It gets crowded quickly when you talk about the number and the quality of free agent point guards, and this former Sixth Man Award winner falls into the mix somewhere along with James, Speedy Claxton and Sam Cassell.

9. Joel Przybilla, Portland Trail Blazers (Unrestricted)
Portland has received steady, if unspectacular, production from the 7-foot-1 26-year old already in his eighth NBA season. A strong second half of the season could up his value past the mid-level exception.

10. Speedy Claxton, New Orleans Hornets (Unrestricted)
Despite being stuck all season behind Rookie of the Year front-runner Chris Paul, Claxton ranks third in scoring, second in assists and second in steals on the Hornets.

11. Sam Cassell Los Angeles Clippers (Unrestricted)
This summer will mark one of the few instances during the past decade when Cassell will not be unhappy with his contract. Believing he has been underpaid throughout his career, Sammy wants one more deal.

12. Bonzi Wells, Sacramento Kings (Unrestricted)
There remain plenty of character issues concerning Wells, who was sent home by the Grizzlies last season right when the playoffs began. He's out for the rest of this month with a torn groin muscle.

13. Michael Olowokandi, Minnesota Timberwolves (Unrestricted)
The plan when Kandi Man signed a three-year deal in Minnesota was to take a three-year chance on establishing a higher value than the mid-level exception he signed under. Three years later, he's still worth the mid-level only.

14. Drew Gooden, Cleveland Cavaliers (Unrestricted)
He's been traded twice, and may have a third trade in his near-future. But someone will foot the bill for a 24-year-old power forward averaging nearly a double double this season, even if he does struggle with grasping Cleveland's defensive principles.

15. Nazr Mohammed, San Antonio Spurs (Unrestricted)
The dropoff behind Ben Wallace in terms of free agent centers brings us all of the way down to No. 15. Mohammed has been used sparingly behind Rasho Nesterovic this season, although that could change if San Antonio moves him before the trade deadline.

16. Latrell Sprewell, Minnesota Timberwolves (Unrestricted)
Former teammate Rick Brunson told the New York Daily News that he spoke recently to Sprewell and expects him to sit out until March before signing with a contender.

17. Tim Thomas, Chicago Bulls (Unrestricted)
Look for Thomas to be dealt by the deadline or bought out after afterward so he can reestablish some value before going on the market. The Bulls are paying him, but have told him they don't want him around.

18. Keith Van Horn, Dallas Mavericks (Unrestricted)
There's going to be a huge pay cut for Van Horn, the No. 2 overall pick in 1997. He's making $15.7 for the Mavericks.

19. Matt Harpring, Utah Jazz (Unrestricted)
There will end up being a job someplace in the NBA for Harpring, who is being limited to 25 minutes per game while working back from a knee injury.

20. Chris Wilcox, Clippers (Restricted)
One of the few players who might actually end up playing for the team with which he signs an offer sheet next summer, since the Clips won't match anything too long. Los Angeles might trade him before the Feb. 23 deadline, however.

21. Lorenzen Wright, Memphis Grizzlies (Unrestricted)
The Grizz are still waiting for some consistent production from the big man whose numbers peaked a half-decade ago.

22. Trevor Ariza, New York Knicks (Restricted)
The Knicks will likely match any offer for the youngster from UCLA derided as "delusional" by coach Larry Brown just a few days ago.

23. Melvin Ely, Charlotte Bobcats (Restricted)
Another player who could be moved before the trading deadline. 'Cats likely won't be interested in paying him what he'll get on the open market.

24. Jorge Garbajosa, Unicaja Malaga
Not a true free agent, as his Spanish League contract has only a buyout clause, but would be the most sought after big man coming out of Europe if he could manage to get out of his current contract.

25. Drew Nicholas, Benetton Treviso
He has been called a poor man's Eddie House, an undersized shooting guard (from Maryland) who's currently leading the Euroleague in scoring at 18.8.

Others:


Unrestricted: Chucky Atkins, Wizards; Marcus Banks, Celtics; Jon Barry, Rockets; Tony Battie; Magic; Rasual Butler, Hornets; Kelvin Cato, Magic; Reggie Evans, SuperSonics; Devean George, Lakers; Lindsey Hunter, Pistons; Toni Kukoc, Bucks; Flip Murray, SuperSonics; Jannero Pargo, Bulls; Gary Payton, Heat; Nick Van Exel, Spurs; David Wesley, Rockets.


Restricted: Keith Bogans, Bobcats; Antonio Burks, Grizzlies; Francisco Elson, Nuggets; Drew Gooden, Cavaliers; Jared Jeffries, Wizards; Fred Jones, Pacers; John Salmons, 76ers; Jiri Welsch, Bucks.

Player options: Derek Anderson, Rockets; Ryan Bowen, Rockets; Greg Buckner, Nuggets; Eddie House, Suns; Mark Jackson, Nets; Jeff McInnis, Nets; Mikki Moore, Sonics; Ruben Patterson, Trail Blazers; James Posey, Heat; Darius Songaila, Bulls; DeShawn Stevenson, Magic; Maurice Taylor, Knicks; Chris Webber, 76ers; Eric Williams, Raptors.

 

[fordronken]

On the contract the Suns signed him to, no less.

I love the new CBA.

 

[fordronken]

Here is a list of the top 25 free agents... Ben Wallace will no doubt be resigned by Detroit, but #2 is Al Harrington? It doesn't do much good to get a ton of cap space when there isn't anyone worth using it on...

Thy're gonna end up with Bonzi Wells and Toni Kukoc.

 

[elindholm]

I'm taking bets on whether or not we will see the first ever zero assist game this season.

I'll take that bet. Marbury is among the career leaders in assists per game, and even though he's having his worst season, he's still putting up solid numbers in that category.

 

[Mike Olbinski]

I laugh when I realize from time to time that Penny is still in the league...

On the contract the Suns signed him to, no less.

How come you don't use the quote feature? Easier for people to see who you are quoting, and easier than having to copy and paste the quote you want?

 

[Delmon Young]

Orlando is waiting for the Summer of 2007 to make a splash. That's when the big time free agent class comes in.

It is officially Dwight Howard's team. Francis is gone, Hill is injured again, and Turkoglu is out. There is absolutely NO excuse to not get Howard the ball now.

 

[elindholm]

How come you don't use the quote feature?

1. Posts with quotes take up too much room on the screen. There's that big clumsy rectangle and then several blank lines below. It bugs me.

2. If you click "quote," you get the whole post. The only way to quote an excerpt is to do more editing, which is annoying.

3. People recognize when their own words are repeated, so it isn't necessary to include an attribution.

 

[fordronken]

I'll take that bet. Marbury is among the career leaders in assists per game, and even though he's having his worst season, he's still putting up solid numbers in that category.

Right, but you're still thinking of a Marbury who thinks he's gonna get the ball back. My theory is that when they get together, they're both gonna be horribly afraid of passing, thinking the other one will never give them the ball back.

Ooh. And don't forget they still have Jamal Crawford. Yikes. Crowded backourt much?

Marbury/Francis/Crawford/Richardson/Robinson

 

[Chaplin]

Right, but you're still thinking of a Marbury who thinks he's gonna get the ball back. My theory is that when they get together, they're both gonna be horribly afraid of passing, thinking the other one will never give them the ball back.

Ooh. And don't forget they still have Jamal Crawford. Yikes. Crowded backourt much?

Marbury/Francis/Crawford/Richardson/Robinson

Francis does average 5.7 assists too.

 

[fordronken]

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/Magic_Acquire_Ariza_022206.html

Magic Acquire Ariza, Hardaway for Francis

Trevor Ariza
Orlando, FL – The Orlando Magic have acquired forward Trevor Ariza and the expiring contract of guard Anfernee Hardaway from New York in exchange for guard Steve Francis, Assistant General Manager Otis Smith announced today. In addition, the team has waived forward Bo Outlaw.

“As an organization, you always look for ways to improve your team, both presently and in the future,” said Smith. “The moves we have made today and last week (Darko Milicic and Carlos Arroyo from Detroit) continue to build a solid foundation around our core players, such as Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson. In addition, this particular deal has allowed us to gain significant salary cap flexibility in the future.”

Ariza (6’8”, 200, 6/30/85) has played in 36 games this season with the Knicks, averaging 4.6 ppg., 3.8 rpg., 1.3 apg. and 1.19 stlpg. in 19.7 minpg. He has made 10 starts, averaging 5.6 ppg., 4.5 rpg., 2.1 apg. and 1.80 stlpg. in 24.9 minpg. Ariza has scored in double figures three times, including a season-high 13 points on Nov. 13 @ Sacramento. More active on the defensive end, he has recorded at least one steal in 22 games and two-or-more steals 14 times.

Originally selected by New York during the second round (43rd overall) of the 2002 NBA Draft, Ariza has played in 116 career NBA regular season games, all with the Knicks, averaging 5.5 ppg., 3.3 rpg. and 1.1 apg. in 18.0 minpg.

“The moves we have made during the last few days are geared to grow and improve our team,” said Magic Head Coach Brian Hill. “Trevor (Ariza) is a young, athletic small forward, who will fit in defensively with what we are trying to accomplish. I genuinely like Steve as a person and wish him nothing but the best.”

Hardaway (6’7”, 220, 7/18/71) has appeared in only four games this season for the Knicks, averaging 2.5 ppg., 2.5 rpg. and 2.0 apg. in 18.0 minpg. He has appeared in 688 career NBA regular season games with Orlando, Phoenix and New York, averaging 15.4 ppg., 5.1 apg., 4.5 rpg. and 1.61 stlpg. in 34.0 minpg. Hardaway spent his first six seasons with the Magic, appearing in 369 games and averaging 19.0 ppg., 6.3 apg., 4.7 rpg. and 1.95 stlpg. in 37.2 minpg. from 1993-99.

Francis has played in 46 games (45 starts) this season for Orlando, averaging 16.2 ppg., 5.7 apg., 4.8 rpg. and 1.11 stlpg. in 37.4 minpg. He has appeared in 498 career NBA regular season games with Houston and Orlando, averaging 19.4 ppg., 6.4 apg., 6.0 rpg. and 1.56 stlpg. in 39.3 minpg.

Outlaw has appeared in 14 games this season for the Magic, averaging 1.6 ppg. and 2.4 rpg. in 11.8 minpg.

Bo!

 

[elindholm]

Right, but you're still thinking of a Marbury who thinks he's gonna get the ball back.

Hmm. My memory of Marbury is that his assists tend to come on kickouts after he drives the lane and draws the defense. I doubt he expects the ball back under those circumstances. The entire sequence seems designed to get the ball to a teammate for an open shot.

Marbury/Francis/Crawford/Richardson/Robinson

Various rumors have Crawford and/or Richardson being moved out in the immediate future. We'll see.

 

[fordronken]

Hmm. My memory of Marbury is that his assists tend to come on kickouts after he drives the lane and draws the defense. I doubt he expects the ball back under those circumstances. The entire sequence seems designed to get the ball to a teammate for an open shot.

Various rumors have Crawford and/or Richardson being moved out in the immediate future. We'll see.

I actually still like Marbury a lot(although less over the past year). I'm starting to really feel sorry for the guy.

But nonetheless, a starting back three of Marbury, Francis and Jalen Rose can't end well.

 

[elindholm]

But nonetheless, a starting back three of Marbury, Francis and Jalen Rose can't end well.

Word.

 

[Chaplin]

But nonetheless, a starting back three of Marbury, Francis and Jalen Rose can't end well.

Ya think?

 

[Divide Et Impera]

I actually still like Marbury a lot(although less over the past year). I'm starting to really feel sorry for the guy.

But nonetheless, a starting back three of Marbury, Francis and Jalen Rose can't end well.

You think now Marbury gets sent back to MIN as has been rumored?