Latest Buzz: Martin For Francis Plus One

(FortCollins-CO) The latest buzz on the streets is that the New York Knicks have left an open-ended deal that would trade Steve Francis and another player to the Denver Nuggets for disgruntle forward Kenyon Martin. With Iverson off the block, unofficially, and the free agency pool getting shallow. This is a trade that I think makes some sense for the Nuggets. Francis, who was open about being unhappy with the Magic before getting traded to the Knicks, could be a major asset to the Nuggets in the position of shooting guard.

Presumably, the Nuggets will be able to re-sign Reggie Evans for cheap. With Reggie Evans, Nene, Najera, Camby, Kleiza, and Diawara on the roster. Some bolstering of the shooting guard position wouldn’t be a bad idea while the front line looks strong. The Nuggets have the young J.R. Smith, and Rueben Patterson at the position currently, but the addition of Francis would really lock the two down.

Francis has averages of 19 points, 5.8 boards, and 6.3 assists over his seven year career. He would be a nice mentor to J.R. Smith during his maturation process and would bring some veteran toughness to the team. In addition to all these positives, the starting five of Andre Miller and Steve Francis in the backcourt. In combination with Camby, Nene, and Carmelo Anthony in the frontcourt is formidable to say the least. With that starting five, the Nugget bench also looks sturdy with Earl Boykins relieving Miller. Smith substituting for Francis and the rest of the aforementioned crew working in on the front court when needed.