McGrady sent to Houston Rockets in exchange for Francis
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2004-06-30 08:41

Houston Rockets finally got Orlando Magic's forward Tracy McGrady but had to send their guards Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley to the Magic in a seven-player trade, Rockets announced on Tuesday.

Orlando Magic's Tracy McGrady was traded to the Houston Rockets in a multiplayer deal that sent Steve Francis to the Magic, Tuesday, June 29, 2004. The deal also sent forward Juwan Howard, and guards Tyronn Lue and Reece Gaines to the Rockets. The Magic also got guard Cuttino Mobley and forward Kelvin Cato. All are shown in these 2004 hand out photos. [AP]

McGrady, 25, was unhappy in Orlando after the team finished last season with a 21-61 record, and threatened to become a free agent when his contract expires next year.

The 6-foot-8 McGrady is a four-times NBA All-Star and led the league in scoring in 2003-04 and 2002-03. He averaged 28 points a game last season and 32.1 points the year before.

The 6-foot-3 Francis, 27, is a three-times NBA All-Star who has averaged 19.3 points a game in his career and this year led the Rockets to their first post-season appearance since he joined the team in 1999.

The deal had been pending for several days but finally went through after a reluctant Francis went to Orlando this week to meet with Magic general manager John Weisbrod.

In the deal, the Magic also sent Juwan Howard and guards TyronnLue and Reece Gaines to the Rockets. Houston guard Mobley and forward Kelvin Cato traveled to the Magic.

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