Trading The Answer
Authored by Andrew Perna - 18th July, 2006 - 12:40 am
Talk of Allen Iverson being shipped out of Philadelphia is hotter than ever. Anyone in the country with the ability to log into a computer or send a letter into their local paper has been sounding off on whether or not dealing Iverson would be a smart move by the 76ers.
So why can’t I?
It’s unfortunate but I think after a decade in Philadelphia, it’s time for the 76ers to allow Allen Iverson to move on with his life and his career. During his ten years in the City of Brotherly Love, Iverson was the 1997 Rookie of the Year, the 2001 NBA MVP, he made the All-Star team seven times, and he led the league in scoring on four separate occasions.
He did all that while standing six feet tall, well below the average height for an NBA shooting guard. He also accomplished all of that and an NBA Finals appearance without much help from any of his teammates. Chris Webber is probably the best player he has been paired with in his career, and they haven’t gotten anywhere.
Being traded to somewhere like Denver, Los Angeles, or Boston would mean a new beginning for both Iverson and the Sixers. Being paired with a player like Elton Brand, Carmelo Anthony, or Paul Pierce could mean rejuvenation and another trip to the NBA Finals.
Here are a few trade scenarios that I think would make the most sense if Philadelphia does decide to trade A.I.:
Philadelphia trades Allen Iverson and Steven Hunter to Boston in exchange for Wally Szczerbiak, Al Jefferson, Tony Allen, and Brian Scalabrine
This deal makes sense for both teams. Philadelphia gets rid of Iverson, but gets a scorer in Szczerbiak, young promise in Jefferson and Allen, and an idol for the main red-headed Irish fans in Pennsylvania in Scalabrine. Boston becomes a contender in the weak Atlantic division with Paul Pierce and Allen Iverson filling the seats at the TD Bank North Garden.
Philadelphia trades Allen Iverson and Kevin Ollie to Minnesota for Ricky Davis, Marko Jaric, Trenton Hassell, and Mark Madsen
This deal might leave Minnesota a little short on depth, but they just might pull the trigger in order to get a player like Iverson alongside Kevin Garnett. Philadelphia gets a slasher in Ricky Davis, a point guard in Jaric, a defensive stopper in Hassell, and a big body in Madsen. All things they desperately need.
Philadelphia trades Allen Iverson to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Corey Maggette, Shaun Livingston, and Zeljko Rebraca
The Sixers probably get the best value for Iverson in this deal. Maggette can fill the two-guard spot and Livingston is a great upgrade at point guard. Also, both players have more promise and youth than Iverson does. The Clippers still have Sam Cassell to play the point, and Iverson will give them a star-studded starting line-up.
Philadelphia trades Allen Iverson to New York and gets Eddy Curry, Malik Rose and a 2007 #1 Draft Pick
Before you call for my head, the last trade was just for fun. I figured Isiah might as well try to throw his hat in the Iverson race because he doesn’t have enough combo guards on his roster yet. I mean if Stephon Marbury gets injured who the heck is Isiah going to play? Oh yeah, they have Steve Francis…
Andrew can be reached at
Andrew.Perna@RealGM.com