The centerpiece of the new-ra Rockets, point guard Steve Francis, is ready to make a long-term commitment to the Rockets, reports Houston Chronicle's Jonathan Feigen.  He said Friday that he is willing to accept an extension if it is for the maximum allowable amount: 7 years, $95 million.

"I would love to," Francis said. "I'm going to sign the contract. There's no debate about me wanting to be here. But at the same time, everybody has to be on the same page. I don't want to have a summer where I'm not connected with the team, because I've seen that happen where guys go home and they're having a debate. I don't even need my agent. I would love to play here."