[Mosqwik]

Guard, traded from Knicks, will be free agent after he clears waivers


The Portland Trail Blazers have put unhappy guard Steve Francis on waivers, and the team has agreed to buy out the remainder of his contract for $30 million, the Washington Post and Newsday reported.

Francis was traded with Channing Frye from the New York Knicks to the Blazers for Zach Randolph, Fred Jones and Dan Dickau on June 28. He is due $33.6 million on the remainder of his contract, the Post and Newsday reported.

"This was the definition of a win-win situation with Isiah (Thomas) and the Knicks getting Zach Randolph and Steve being the ultimate beneficiary in being bought out," said Jeff Fried, Francis' agent, Newsday reported. he Blazers put Francis on the waiver wire, so another team could claim him but would have to pay his entire contract, Newsday reported.

The buyout allows Francis to find the "right fit as opposed to the most money. He doesn't need much to be made whole," Fried said, the Post reported.
The Los Angeles Clippers are the favorites to land Francis because of his friendship with Cuttino Mobley, the Washington Post reported. But the Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat also are possibilities, the newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources.

Francis scored 11.3 points per game last season for the Knicks.

As long as he is out of NY .I am happy