Steve Francis either wants to start or be dealt next season.

"Hopefully next year it'll change," said Francis, who had only come off the bench three times in his career before this season. "This summer we'll be able to evaluate more what my role is. I don't plan on coming off the bench next year.

"If it's a situation where they don't feel I'm a starting player on this team, it'll be good to go in a different direction.

"It's not a big issue now. [November] is when it'll be an issue. I'm not trippin' on it."

Brown's response?

"I'm happy he wants to start. That's why you have training camp," said the Knick coach, who praised Francis' willingness to come off the bench. "He'll be in a position to earn the right to play. I'm glad he wants to be in that position."