STEVE FRANCIS TRADED TO KNICKS
The New York Knicks acquired guard Steve Francis from the Orlando Magic for forward Trevor Ariza and guard Anfernee Hardaway.
What does it give the New York Knicks
Yet another talented and expensive player who may not fit in. General manager Isiah Thomas seems intent on adding as much statistical performance (and salary, it seems) as possible. The problem with that is that sometimes too many cooks spoil the broth, and so far all New York has whipped up is one of the worst records in the NBA. Francis is obviously an upgrade on Ariza and the inactive Hardaway, but where does he fit? He's another undersized player on a team needing more size and he'll need to share the ball with equally undersized Stephon Marbury. This deal probably opens the door for Thomas to move some of his other underperforming scorers, but chalk this one up to yet another classic Isiah Thomas move: Add talent to try to win now, whether or not it makes sense financially or on the court.
What does it give the Orlando Magic
A way to rid themselves of two things: Francis' attitude, and at least $15.7 Million worth of salary cap space from Hardaway's contract. In terms of pure talent the Magic obviously don't fare very well in this one, but such is the new NBA market: It's all about freeing up cap space to keep great young players or sign new ones in the offseason. So down the road, the money Orlando makes available by getting rid of Francis (and the three years left on his deal) will likely turn into a free agent star, probably this summer (since Hardaway's contract comes off the books following this season). Ariza is a nice bonus in the deal, an underrated swingman with solid upside. Orlando also has Jameer Nelson waiting in the wings to take over for Francis, so all in all, the Magic probably get the better of this one.
Fantasy impact
