NY trade update

Jason Quick reports the Z-Bo/Francis trade hasn't been finalized.

I'd back out while we still can.

Truehoop says this regarding a possible Steve Francis buyout:

"I have the suspicion that Steve Francis will never play in a Portland uniform, which is also what Blazer broadcaster Brian Wheeler is reportedly saying too. If he is bought out, Portland could get cap relief equivalent to half of whatever salary he might earn, if any, from another team."

If Francis is worth $8 million on the open market (that seems generous) that only gives Portland $4 million in cap relief. That doesn't leave us any room to sign a marquee small forward.

Dave at Blazersedge.com says this:
FYI if you're thinking contract buyout, the official rule is that the team and player can negotiate a buyout. It's up to them how much it's for. The buyout amount agreed upon counts against the cap. If Francis is willing to take a lot less money then a buyout makes sense. Otherwise there's little difference between buying him out or having him on the team. Well...except for the locker room cancer thing.

http://www.blazersedge.com/

Either way, we're not getting much cap relief this year.

I'm sorry to see Fred Jones go. He had a great attitude, he really wanted to play here, and I thought he was our best option as a backup to Brandon Roy.

Perhaps KP has a sign-and-trade in mind, but it doesn't look good.