Rockets ship out Francis to Grizzlies

Oft-injured guard Steve Francis was traded from the Houston Rockets to the Memphis Grizzlies yesterday for a conditional second-round draft pick in 2011. The Grizzlies also receive a second-round pick for 2009 and cash. That pick originally belonged to Memphis; it was acquired by the Rockets during last year's draft, part of the deal that brought forward Donte Greene to Houston. Greene later was shipped to Sacramento as part of the trade that brought Ron Artest to the Rockets. Francis, 31, has not played this season, and played in only 10 games in the 2007-08 season after tearing a quadriceps tendon in his right knee . . . Nick Collison's status remains day-to-day for the Oklahoma City Thunder's game tomorrow at Detroit. Collison broke his left thumb against the Cleveland Cavaliers Sunday night and missed Tuesday's game at Atlanta. He was back at practice yesterday, but coach Scott Brooks said it's still uncertain whether he'll be able to play against the Pistons . . . Jazz forward Paul Millsap is listed as questionable for tomorrow's game against Dallas because of a hyperextended left knee. Millsap had an MRI yesterday, but the Jazz said results weren't expected until tomorrow . . . The Phoenix Suns signed Dee Brown, ending their search for another backup point guard. After a successful career at Illinois, Brown was drafted by Utah in the second round in 2006. He appeared in 49 regular-season games as a rookie for the Jazz. He played the 2007-08 season with a team in Turkey. Brown appeared in 17 games, the last 11 as a starter, with Washington before being released two weeks ago.

When Dwyane Wade heard the plight of a South Florida woman whose nephew accidentally burned down her home - and ruined all the family's possessions - the Miami Heat star knew he had to do something. So he replaced the house. Wade presented Dawn Smith with the ultimate Christmas gift yesterday - keys to a new home, along with some furnishings, clothing, and gifts to make sure her family has a joyous holiday, something that didn't seem likely just a few weeks ago. "That's what I try to teach my kids," said Wade, whose foundation has hosted several charity events this holiday season, mostly for needy children. "It's not about what you're going to receive - it's what you can give to others from what you've received. We can help this family have a new beginning."

The Yankees' offseason spending spree isn't intimidating Joe Maddon, manager of the AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays. A day after the Yankees reached agreement with free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira on an eight-year, $180 million deal Maddon said the Rays won't be altering their small-market fiscal philosophy. "I know we're supposed to be devastated by this, but we're not; for us to lament it does no good," Maddon told the Los Angeles Times. "Of course, Teixeira is a wonderful player - the Yankees always go after the biggest and the best, and they've done themselves well this winter. But we're going to do it our way. It comes down to if you pitch well, you're going to stop good hitters. A lot of what we did last year was based on pitching and good defense. If we continue to do those things well, we'll be right there." . . . Johan Santana pitched for a formidable Venezuelan team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic, and said he would relish the opportunity to represent his country again. But the Mets, citing the knee surgery he had in October, have cast doubt on his participation in the 2009 event. General manager Omar Minaya said he likely will advise Santana not to play. "He should be OK, but we're going to be conservative," Minaya said. "If we have a little bit of doubt or concern, we'd rather have him not play. We're pro-Classic, but we always have to be mindful and protective of our players." . . . Former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Kevin Mench signed a one-year deal with the Hanshin Tigers. Mench, 30, hit .243 in 51 games for Toronto last season. Mench's contract is worth $1.8 million . . . The Padres agreed to terms on a one-year deal with infielder Luis Rodriguez after the switch hitter batted .287 with 12 RBIs and 22 runs scored in 64 games in his first season with San Diego.

Jeff Withey, a 7-foot freshman who spent one semester at Arizona but did not play basketball for the Wildcats, will transfer to Kansas. Arizona's top 2008 freshman, Withey requested a release from his scholarship before the season when coach Lute Olson suddenly retired in October . . . Elvis Comrie resigned as men's soccer coach at Holy Cross after 18 seasons. He finished with a 125-158-34 record and won five Patriot League titles . . . Norwich University in Vermont is cutting the varsity wrestling and tennis programs as part of the school's effort to balance its budget. The end of the tennis program affects seven students and eliminates one part-time coaching position. Thirty students participate in wrestling, and two full-time coaching positions will be eliminated.