So Stevie Franchise is going home, back to the Houston Rockets, who now have something like 7 point guards on the roster. The Rockets have some trading to do before the season. It's a pretty good, low-risk deal for Houston, paying Francis $2.4 mil next season. Francis can opt out at the end of the season, so a good season means he can cash in again, most likely with the Rockets again.
That gives the Rockets Francis, Tracy McGrady, the player they acquired when they traded Francis to Orlando in 2004.
As for the Mavs, it's more wait-and-see. Chris Webber is still out there and his reps say it will be a while before his plans are set. The Mavs still have interest in James Posey and apparently P.J. Brown, if he decides to play again.
What does Eddie Jones do for you? That's the latest name bantied about. Jones will be 36 before the regular-season starts. He can hit the 3 and might be a good role player, but Miami didn't think much of him to re-sign him. And if the Mavs do grab him, then they'll have Jones, Devean George and Greg Buckner.
At that point, isn't a trade necessary? They can't deal George during the summer so could Buck be the pawn they use to clear roster space?
Like the Mavs, just wait and see...