Knicks coach Isiah Thomas sent struggling guard Steve Francis to the bench for Wednesday's game against the Timberwolves and replaced him in the starting lineup with Jamal Crawford.

Thomas and Francis met after the loss to Houston on Monday, and they spoke again at the morning shootaround. Francis agreed with the decision, according to Thomas, who denied that Francis might be unhappy and desiring a trade.

"I totally get the sense from him that he's thought this through," Thomas said, adding: "He definitely sees himself fitting in in the way he thinks he can help us."