nynj2k7
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Isiah Thomas sent Chris Webber love letters through the media yesterday in the hopes of fortifying the Knicks' lineup while continuing to work behind the scenes to remove Steve Francis from the roster. Despite repeated denials, the Knicks and Francis have discussed a buyout, but neither side can agree on how much money it will take to make the veteran guard disappear. A source familiar with the negotiations said that Francis, who is working out in Houston, might yet rejoin the team if a settlement is not reached, but that Francis and the Knicks both believe that a clean break would best serve both parties. The Knicks have little need for Francis because the Knicks are committed to Jamal Crawford as their shooting guard. Francis does not want to be a backup. Cutting Francis would be very costly. He is scheduled to earn $48 million through the 2008-09 season. Francis would give the Knicks a discount only if he can sign for the mid-level exception elsewhere, which at this stage is unlikely. "Is it any surprise that Stephon Marbury has played better since Francis stopped playing and Nate Robinson was suspended?" asked one league executive. "There is a direct correlation between Marbury's performance and not having those guys around. I love the way Stephon is playing. Isiah's smart. He is doing exactly what Larry (Brown) wanted to do."http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap/Thank you, good bye you should of never been a Knick in the 1st place thank god he is about to go.
