General manager Glen Grunwald and coach Butch Carter were in Maryland last night meeting with Francis, 21, who is almost certain to be among the top three selections in the NBA draft June 30. Grunwald and Carter will watch Francis work out today. The Raptors own the fifth and 12th picks, meaning if they want the
6-foot-2, 190-pound Francis, they will have to trade
up. Chicago allegedly has its eyes on Tracy McGrady,
whose contract can be extended this summer. One rumour had the Bulls, Raptors and Celtics involved in a three-way swap: The Raptors would get the No.
1 pick; the Bulls would get McGrady from the Raptors and Ron Mercer from the Celtics; and the Celtics would get the No. 5 pick.

1998-99 SEASON
23-27, Sixthth Place, Central Division

Oakley Set to Join Lakers
Negotiations with the Raptors could
change things, but all indications are
that Charles Oakley will join coach Phil
Jackson with the Los Angeles Lakers
next season.

Penny May Be in Raptors'
Plans
Orlando Magic's shooting guard
Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway, who intends
to declare for free agency July 1, is
interested in coming to Toronto.

Draft Rumour
A sign-and-trade with Denver for
Nick Van Exel, but there is an indication
the Raptors have already made inquiries
about Van Exel.

McGrady to Bulls?
The Raptors apparently covet Steve
Francis and are willing to trade the No. 5
pick and Tracy McGrady to Chicago for
the top spot.

Raptors Bounce VR in Favour
of CTV Sportsnet
The Barrie station, which was the
home of Toronto Raptors
broadcasts since the team's inception
four years ago, has been
replaced by CTV Sportsnet.