More on McGrady to Rockets

NBA news courtesy of Peter Vescey....

New York Post

Come July 1, Tracy McGrady will be the newest Rocket Launcher to look off Yao Ming down low more times than not.

The Clippers have separated themselves from the NBA pack as the most ardent suitor for Shaquille O'Neal's slighted services.

And all that's standing between Rudy Tomjanovich from being hired as Lakers head coach is an interview with Kobe Bryant.

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Steve Francis was named in the exchange program prophecy. In less than two weeks when Francis' base year salary status all but evaporates, he'll officially join the Magic along with Cutino Mobley and throw-in Bostjan Nachbar. Juwan Howard and Tyronn Lue will join McGrady in Houston. McGrady earns $13.3 million in '04-05, while Howard pockets $5.4M and Lue $1.65M. Francis is on the books for $12.3M, Mobley $5.88M and Nachbar $1.49M.

From what I'm told, McGrady only had eyes for the Rockets from the git-go. Phoenix interjected itself into the conversation early because it quickly offered to swap Shawn Marion.


The Pacers got consideration late from the Magic (but not McGrady, not really, despite a long, tight relationship with Jermaine O'Neal) when they proposed a deal involving Jeff Foster, Jonathan Bender and Al Harrington, who asked to be traded in his final meeting with CEO Donnie Walsh (no promises were made) regardless of whether Ron Artest is kept or dealt.

Both players blew off the team's last meeting and were fined 5G apiece; Artest has been dangled to the Grizzlies for Muncie, Indiana's Bonzi Wells and a No. 1 pick Memphis doesn't have but is trying to obtain. When the Rockets-Magic arrangement is completed it'll be the most important relocation of an NBA scoring star that doesn't implicate the Birmingham Barons.

Ha, Shaq to the Clippers, now that would change the balance of power in the NBA! Only trade rumor more surprising is Shaq to the Sacramento Kings (Webber, Divac and some change). This seems pretty implausible, however, Shaq's disparaging remarks about the Sac Queens, notwithstanding. Shaq might be wherever he lands (if he goes anywhere) for one year, and that would mean a lot of talent giveaway for just one season. I wouldn't really be surprised if both Shaq & Kobe stay, but Shaq comes up with some phantom injury and misses most of the season.