A day of discussions may have softened Steve Francis' resistance to playing in Orlando and pushed the blockbuster trade between the Rockets and Magic one step closer to becoming final.

The deal to send Tracy McGrady to Houston remained in limbo as Magic general manager John Weisbrod and his staff spent most of the afternoon and evening talking to Francis' representatives -- namely, Jeff Fried, Nate Peake and Rock Newman.

Francis' public statements of dissatisfaction have given the Magic pause and caused a delay in completion of the trade that would send him to Orlando.  

McGrady's unhappiness forced the Magic to put him on the trading block so team officials want to be sure they are not getting back another malcontent in return.  This due diligence period has slowed the process but seems to be working to allay Francis' hesitance and the Magic's concerns.  

However, the delay has reportedly opened the flood gates on new proposals to acquire the superstar McGrady.  According to league sources, offers for McGrady have poured in and Weisbrod considers the bidding open until the McGrady - Francis deal is sealed.