Cheering for Stevie Franchise

Because the Blazers get 50% of whatever he makes credited back to them from the buy-out, which in turn gets us more cap relief.

So, it's heartening to hear news like this:

Hours after Francis agreed to have his contract bought out by the Portland Trail Blazers, his agent, Jeff Fried, began talks with several teams — including the Rockets — to find him a home.

"There is no secret Steve has a strong affinity for Houston and for the Houston Rockets," Fried said. "We're talking to a number of teams. Steve has some thinking to do."

Fried said Francis, 30, is considering the Rockets, Mavericks, Heat, Lakers and Clippers, all of whom he said have shown interest or have been receptive to pursuing Francis.

So, if four teams are dumb enough to try to sign on the malcontent, I say more power to them, and let the bidding war begin!