Didn't they learn anything after they traded him a long time ago. This guy will be a liability to the Rockets more than he will an asset.


HOUSTON (Ticker) -- Steve Francis will return to his former team, according to a report in the Houston Chronicle on Thursday.

Francis chose the Houston Rockets over more lucrative offers from the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers - signing a two-year contract worth $2.4 million with an opt-out clause in the third year, the report said.

The deal is pending a physical on Thursday.

Houston could only offer him a portion of the mid-level exception after acquiring Argentine power forward Luis Scola in a trade with the San Antonio Spurs last week.

The veteran guard will look to resurrect an injury-plagued career, which began with five promising seasons in Houston. Rockets general manager Daryl Morey wants to give Francis a chance to return to his earlier form.

"I think he sees this as a rebirth, as a restart of his career," Morey told the newspaper. "Steve has a sense we're real close. We think he can be a big part of getting us there. I always thought it was a long shot. Credit to Steve, he chose what he thought was the best chance to win over options that were better financially."

Francis was one of the most exciting players in the league during his time in Houston, using his explosiveness and leaping ability to average 19.3 points, 6.4 assists and 6.1 rebounds during that time.

The 6-3 guard earned the moniker "Stevie Franchise" after the Rockets acquired him to be the foundation of Houston's return to glory in the post-Hakeem Olajuwon era. But Francis was traded to the Orlando Magic prior to the 2004-05 season.

He then split time the next two campaigns with the Magic and New York Knicks but missed time both seasons with a variety of injuries.

On draft night last month, the Knicks traded the three-time All-Star to the Portland Trail Blazers, who subsequently bought out his $30 million contract - freeing him up to sign with the Rockets.

Morey thinks the move will help Houston, which suffered a tough seven-game loss to the Utah Jazz in the first round last season, dropping the deciding seventh game at home.

"It's a chance to win," Morey said. "Both Yao (Ming) and Tracy (McGrady) really helped with the recruiting process and are excited about our chance to win with the additions in the offseason. We're feeling good we've addressed a lot of