Steve Francis says he is not thinking about an early retirement, but the injured Knicks guard can't say when he will play again.

Francis is out indefinitely due to chronic soreness in his right knee. Coincidentally, Francis has not played since Thursday's trading deadline. The Knicks were hoping to move Francis, and at one point there were conversations about trading him to Miami in a deal that would have included James Posey's expiring contract.

When asked last night if he believes the troublesome knee could force him to retire, Francis said: "No. That's the last thing."

A buyout seems more likely.