A Whirlwind of Rumors <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Here's what we know: Allen Iverson is gone. Here's what we care about: Whatever the 76ers will get for him. Here's what we'll hear: "It's his fault! It's their fault!" Coming from both sides. Perhaps we'll care in the days and weeks to come. Today, the primary concern should be preventing Iverson from becoming Charles Barkley, Part II, making sure the Sixers don't let go of their latest mercurial star for a bag of cheap beans thrown in the trash after Thanksgiving. As Iverson's departure from Philadelphia appears imminent, there will be plenty of time to dissect this franchise. We'll all ponder one day what life would be like for the Sixers right now if they had traded Iverson years ago when former coach Larry Brown insisted it was best for the franchise. We'll wonder what would have become of the coaching careers of Randy Ayers, Chris Ford, Jim O'Brien or even Mo Cheeks if they were faced with the challenge of coaching someone else instead of Iverson. Questionable decisions by Billy King, the Sixers' president and general manager, will come into focus, as will those of team chairman Ed Snider, who some - not me, though - believe should fire himself. But none of that matters now. What matters is that at least nine teams from the Eastern Conference called the Sixers yesterday. What matters is that Dallas, Chicago and the Clippers have potential deals the Sixers should want. King's imagination can capitalize on potential deals with Minnesota, Boston, Denver, Sacramento or Golden State if any of those teams are willing to play ball. His knack for politics may even position him to pull off a heist with Chicago or Dallas. Perhaps the biggest plus of all is that King and the Sixers are no longer concerned with the 6-foot guard out of Georgetown who said, "As hard as it may be to admit, a change may be the best thing for everyone." Said one Sixers source: "There was a time when Billy [King] cared about sending Iverson to a contender, just out of gratitude for all he's meant to this franchise. That time has passed. He ain't thinking about A.I. anymore. At least not on that level." With that in mind, knowing the Sixers are in search of youth and fiscally sensible contracts, here's the lowdown: Bulls: Chicago could send the expiring contracts of forwards P.J. Brown and Michael Sweetney, with guard Ben Gordon and a first-round pick to Philly for Iverson. Their brass will meet today but appear unlikely to make such a move. Dallas: The Mavs could send the expiring contracts of Jerry Stackhouse and Austin Croshere, along with point guard Devin Harris. Problem? Owner Mark Cuban loves Harris and doesn't want any debate as to whether it will be Dirk Nowitzki's team. Boston: Coach Doc Rivers is willing to surrender anyone other than Paul Pierce for Iverson. That includes Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair and forward Al Jefferson, if necessary. But Danny Ainge is running the show, and it's unclear what he'll be willing to do. Plus, Wally Szczerbiak or Theo Ratliff would have to come to Philly in order to make a deal work. Golden State: Mike Dunleavy Jr., Troy Murphy or Jason Richardson would have to come to Philly to make a deal happen, but the Sixers would love to get their hands on Monta Ellis. The Warriors say they're not about to part with Ellis, but everyone talks that nonsense before a deal gets done. Timberwolves: They barely have anyone the Sixers want, outside of Villanova product Randy Foye. Minnesota swears it's not about to let him go. We'll see. Clippers:The Sixers shouldn't even talk to them unless they're willing to part with Corey Maggette and Shaun Livingston, which they are not willing to do. Grizzlies: Eddie Jones' expiring contract is about the only asset the Grizzlies have to offer. Mike Fratello's toupee will fall off trying to coach Iverson. Kings: Mike Bibby is owed $28 million over the final two years of his contract, but rumors have swirled he could opt out. Plus, Ron Artest loves Iverson. A long shot, of course, but you never know with the Kings' owners, the Maloof brothers. Of course, there is always the possibility of multi-team deals, or a remote possibility that Iverson could be bought out of his contract. But that's venturing into the absurd, especially for a franchise with a few employees holding on by the skin of their teeth. In time, we'll know where Iverson's going and what the Sixers have gotten for him. Save the hostility for then. Not now. Stephen A. Smith | Looking for a King's Ransom? Sixers general manager Billy King fielded calls from numerous teams yesterday in trade talks for Allen Iverson. Here are some of the players being discussed: Everybody on the team is fair game except Paul Pierce. Expiring contracts of Austin Croshere, Jerry Stackhouse plus Devin Harris. Expiring contracts of P.J. Brown, Michael Sweetney, plus Ben Gordon, No.1 pick. Deal would need to include Corey Maggette, Shaun Livingston. Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Jason Richardson. Sixers most interested in Monta Ellis.</div> Link Philadelphia Inquirer Damn, I'd love a deal to happen with the Warriors. J.Rich + Dunleavy Jr. + Monta Ellis would be an awesome trade for the Sixers. I also wouldn't mind a deal with the Clippers. Maggette + Livingston for AI.
I like the Maggette Livingston deal, but I still want to see Allen go to the Timberwolves. By the way AI never had problems with Jim O'Brien, I don't know why Smith is infering to that in this article.
I'm liking Jason Richardson and Monta Ellis. I actually wouldn't be too opposed to acquiring them if that means taking on a poison pill contract, but I'd prefer Dunleavy as the lesser of the poisons. I'm also interested in getting something like Al Jefferson, Rajon Rondo, and Gerald Green, but it seems like the Celtics aren't really willing to part with both Green and Jefferson. Plus, having to play against Iverson four times a year just seems like recurring depression to me. The Bulls deal does sound very sweet, but its likely nothing is going to happen. I doubt they'd want to surrender a first rounder and Ben Gordon for Iverson. Any thoughts on that GameFace?
<div class="quote_poster">Air Fresh Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I like the Maggette Livingston deal, but I still want to see Allen go to the Timberwolves. </div> Well, it says the Clippers are unwilling to part with both. Anyways, I honestly wouldn't accept this trade unless a couple of draft picks were thrown in. I have seen many Clippers games this season, and I can't tell you the facination over Shaun Livingston. Sure, the guy is still young, and has "potential," but the guy hasn't really impressed me much at all. He has length, that's about it. His offensive game still isn't there (can't hit a 3 to save his life), and he is still suspect on defense. I used to be pretty high on Maggette, but after watching him play, I can honestly tell you that the guy doesn't have the highest basketball IQ (he may be a bit smarter than Samuel Dalembert). Plus, he's an injury waiting to happen. The trades that I hope will go down is AI to Minny for Randy Foye, 1st rounder, and a contract filler (Jaric, Blount, Davis, James?). Or to Boston for a draft pick and some of their promising youngsters
I'm starting to warm up to the idea of having AI in Chicago as long as Gordon is the one traded, and not Deng. It would give us a scorer that we direly needed, and with Hinrich's defensive capabilities it will be less of a liability having them both in the same back court. The Warriors deal looks pretty good too. I would not even consider what the Kings, Nuggets, and Knicks are offering though.
<div class="quote_poster">GameFace Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I'm starting to warm up to the idea of having AI in Chicago as long as Gordon is the one traded, and not Deng. It would give us a scorer that we direly needed, and with Hinrich's defensive capabilities it will be less of a liability having them both in the same back court. The Warriors deal looks pretty good too. I would not even consider what the Kings, Nuggets, and Knicks are offering though.</div>but remember, Philly wants youth, expiring contracts and draft picks. Does that change your opinion?
<div class="quote_poster">AIFan Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">but remember, Philly wants youth, expiring contracts and draft picks. Does that change your opinion?</div> Not really, Chicago gives them Ben Gordon (youth), Sweetney (youth and expiring), and Brown (expiring contract). While Warriors give them youth and expiring contracts as well. The King trade gives them no compensation when Bibby opts out after this year so thats basically like giving AI away for nothing, and the Knicks trade is ridiculous.
Another hitch in the Sac deal, Mike Bibby does not get along with his father, Henry Bibby, who is currently one of Mo Cheeks assistants. They have not spoken to one another in years.
<div class="quote_poster">shapecity Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Another hitch in the Sac deal, Mike Bibby does not get along with his father, Henry Bibby, who is currently one of Mo Cheeks assistants. They have not spoken to one another in years.</div>Bibby doesn't have the pull to veto the deal, he'd just have to deal with it. I don't see that as being a deal breaker
