Aug. 26, 1999

HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Rockets and Vancouver Grizzlies have agreed on a 10-player trade that will give the Rockets the rights to Maryland guard Steve Francis, the Grizzlies' first-round pick in the 1999 NBA draft, according to TV reports.

ESPN and KRIV-TV of Houston reported Thursday night that the trade, which would be one of the largest in league history, will be announced Friday after it is approved by the league.

Besides Francis, the No. 2 pick behind Elton Brand of Duke in June's NBA draft, the Grizzlies also would send Tony Massenburg, Lee Mayberry, Makhtar Ndiaye, Rodrick Rhodes and Michael Smith to the Rockets.

Houston would give up Antoine Carr, Michael Dickerson, Othella Harrington and Brent Price and a future first-round draft pick.

The Grizzlies had been shopping Francis, who averaged 17 points a game last year, to several teams after being unable to sign him.