Magic ship Francis to Knicks

Steve Francis was traded Wednesday from the Orlando Magic to the last-place New York Knicks, who hope that pairing him in the backcourt with Stephon Marbury will help turn around the team's dismal season.

The Knicks sent Penny Hardaway and Trevor Ariza to Orlando. Though Marbury and Francis essentially play the same position, the Knicks are confident it will work out.

"We just want ballplayers," New York coach Larry Brown said. "I don't get caught up in positions. I think Steve is strong enough to guard 2s and quick enough to guard 1s."

Francis was averaging 16.2 points to lead the Magic, but the star guard has feuded with coach Brian Hill this season. By dealing him for Hardaway's expiring contract, the Magic will get salary cap relief after this season and will be in even better position when Grant Hill's deal expires next year.

"We'll miss Steve in a lot of ways," Orlando assistant general manager Otis Smith said. "We'll miss the passion he brought for the game, we'll miss the energy he brought for the game, but I think we'll be better off in the future."

New York was 15-37 entering Wednesday night's game against Miami and had the second-worst record in the NBA. Orlando was 19-33, third in the Southeast Division. Both teams have been active before today's 1 p.m. trade deadline.

Though the Knicks have been rumored to be involved in other trades, president Isiah Thomas said the team could be done dealing unless the right offer comes along.

"I would say that right now we're pretty satisfied with where we are," he said. "I don't think we will be actively out shopping and trying to make a deal or anything like that."

The Magic were in New Jersey to play the Nets, and Francis made the short trip across the river to Madison Square Garden to appear at a press conference before the Knicks played the Heat. He was listed as inactive and did not appear in the game.

"We both can complement each other," Francis said, referring to Marbury. "Everybody has to pretty much feed off each other."

Agent Jeff Fried said Francis will take whatever role the Knicks choose.

"Steve's excited as can be," Fried told The Associated Press. "He's just excited to get there and perform."

Though the trade increases what is already the league's highest payroll next season, the Knicks needed to make a move to have any chance to salvage what has been a dismal first season under Brown. New York had won only two of its last 18 games.

"It brings another ball handler and scorer and another great personality to our team," Knicks rookie Channing Frye said. "That's very important for us."

This is the second time this season the Knicks dealt an expiring contract for a high-priced veteran. They acquired Jalen Rose from Toronto for Antonio Davis. Francis is making $13.7 million this season and is signed for three more.

"I think they've turned the corner," Heat coach Pat Riley said. "They've acquired a tremendous amount of talent."

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Associated Press writers Travis Reed in Orlando, Fla., and David Porter in East Rutherford, N.J., contributed to this report.