Francis set for return to Rockets

The Houston Chronicle reports Francis, whose contract was bought out by Portland last week, will rejoin the Rockets. An announcement is expected Friday.

Francis was traded to Portland from the New York Knicks along with Channing Frye in exchange for Zach Randolph, Dan Dickau and Fred Jones in a draft night trade on June 28. The Trail Blazers bought out the remaining two years of Francis’ contract for almost the full price, paying more than $30 million of the $34 million owed to Francis over the next two years.

The former All-Star became a free agent after he cleared waivers. Francis averaged a career-low 11.3 points per game in New York last season, well below his career average of 18.4 points per game. He played for Houston from 1999-2004.