Steve Francis to sign contract with Beijing Ducks

What was pretty much official is now totally official:


Three time NBA All-Star Steve Francis will be in Beijing tonight to officially sign a contract with the CBA’s Beijing Shougang Ducks, according to the Jinghua Times (via Sina Sports).

The deal has been reported earlier as a one year guaranteed deal with a mutual team/player option for a second year.

“Because of the time difference, on Monday night, or Monday morning in the States, the two of us well sign a contract,” said Beijing general manager, Yuan Chao.  ”Obviously, this doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone.”

Yuan didn’t give an exact date as to when Francis would officially report to the team.

“We still can’t decide on that.  That’s definitely something we’ll handle after he sings.  Francis will bring his wife and child to China.”

Beijing’s season opener is away at last year’s runner-up, Xinjiang, on December 12th.

In case you’re worried about a potential Stephon Marbury situation, Francis is already on the team’s official roster for next season, both for domestic and Asian continental competition. With former New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks center Randolph Morris, and Jordanian import, Zaid Abbas, who played for well for fourth place Shanghai last year, having signed earlier, Francis’ addition to the Ducks should give the team one of the strongest import lineups in the league.


soource : niubballcom

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