Free to go anywhere, Steve Francis came home to the team and city he never wanted to leave. Once celebrated as the Rockets' Franchise, the point guard will come back to Houston seeking a return to more than just his adopted hometown, where he began his NBA career.

Three seasons and three teams since the Rockets traded him, Francis signed a two-year deal Thursday. He was a three-time All-Star with the Rockets before getting traded to Orlando after the 2003-04 season.

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

Francis, the cornerstone of the Rockets' post-Hakeem Olajuwon rebuilding plans, passed on more lucrative offers from the Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers.

Dealt by the New York Knicks to the Portland Trail Blazers after the season, Francis accepted a buyout of the last two seasons of his contract, worth roughly $30 million, to become a free agent.

"It's a combination of a variety of factors, including the fit with the team, a comfortableness with the organization and a familiarity with the surroundings," Francis' agent Jeff Fried said. "He has a home in Houston. In so many ways, it has remained his home, despite some interim stops, Orlando and New York.

"For Steve, it's coming home."

The Rockets were limited to the portion of the mid-level exception remaining after acquiring forward Luis Scola last week. Francis' two-year contract is worth $2.4 million the first year. He can opt out after one season.

【体坛资讯：Francis returns to Rockets with two-year deal】相关文章：

★ 体坛资讯：Fatherhood will make Woods even better says Parnevik

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Julianne Moores valentine to charity

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Janet Jackson to secretly marry long-time beau

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Paris tones down the bling

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Paris Hilton happy to be role model for girls

★ 体坛资讯：Iran fights back to draw China 2-2

★ 体坛资讯：Runners get compensation from coach

★ 体坛英语资讯：Coach has support in Cup wake, Domanski likely to stay

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Tom Cruise scared to star with Smith

★ 体坛资讯：China storm into semis, S. Korea pose strong in Sudirman Cup