On Thursday Steve Francis aka "Stevie Franchise," the three-time All-Star guard, agreed to a two-year deal with Houston Rockets.

"I think he sees this as a rebirth, as a restart of his career," Rockets general manager Daryl Morey told the Houston Chronicle.

"Steve has a sense we're real close. We think he can be a big part of getting us there. I always thought it was a long shot. Credit to Steve, he chose what he thought was the best chance to win over options that were better financially."

Francis, who started his career at Houston Rockets, declined offers from the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers to rejoin the Rockets. He played for Rockets from 1999-2004, but in 2004 he was traded to Orlando as part of a multi-player deal that brought Tracy McGrady to the Rockets.

"It's a combination of a variety of factors including the fit with the team, a comfort with the organization and a familiarity with the surroundings," Francis' agent Jeff Fried told the newspaper.

"He has a home in Houston. In so many ways, it has remained his home, despite some interim stops. For Steve, it's coming home."

During his eight-years career, Francis has averaged 18.4 points and 6.1 assists per game.