Isiah Thomas - Knicks GM, aquired three time all star
Steve Francis from Orlando Magic in a trade that sent
Anfernee Hardaway and
Trevor Ariza away. Francis is 6-3 and 200, and has averaged for Orlando 16.2 points, 4.8 rebounds and 5.7 assists in 46 games this year.
Steve Francis came to New York with a huge salary, in the next three years totalizing an amount of almost $49,000,000 making him along with Stephon Marbury the highest-paid backcourt duo from the NBA. Already with the highest payrol in the league (now at $120 million and the second worst record in history 15-37), the Knicks will be next year at $130,000,000, unless some more trades happen, most likely involving Jamal Crawford or Quentin Richardson for clearing cap space.
Coach Larry Brown said about the trade: "Acquiring a player of Steve's level and talent is very exciting for this team. In him, we have added a veteran that could help us in many areas, and assist with our young players' development."
Steve Francis will not be playing tonight his first game for the Knicks against the Miami Heat.
