Half A Dozen Teams Contact Magic On Francis
17th January, 2006 - 10:59 am
Orlando Sentinel - Several clubs inquired about trading for Orlando Magic point guard Steve Francis while he was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team, NBA sources told the Sentinel.

But in a meeting Monday among Francis, Assistant General Manager Otis Smith and Coach Brian Hill in which the Magic lifted his two-game suspension, the club told Jeff Fried, Francis' agent, that they had no plans to deal him.

"Yes, I asked," Fried said. "The answer was, 'No.' "

Francis will speak with his teammates at practice today and play Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards at TD Waterhouse Centre.

NBA sources said there were more than a half-dozen teams that inquired about Francis' availability.

"Any time a team sees some friction . . . if that opportunity arises to capitalize, most teams want to seize on it," Fried said. "But any time it was approached, my answer is that, 'Steve is very happy in Orlando.' He wants to stay here and lead this team to the playoffs."

Francis wouldn't be easy to trade, but not impossible. He has three years and $48 million left on a contract he signed with the Houston Rockets . [READ]

vecsey spun it around and said half the league was contacted BY the magic...which seems more likely.