Report: Iverson Taps Out

Citing two NBA GMs and the agents for a pair of 76ers, Peter Vecsey of the New York Post has reported that Allen Iverson has asked to be traded. According to the Post article, Iverson met with Billy King on Tuesday and demanded to be moved. Vecsey supports the agents’ story with statements from two NBA GMs, who said they were contacted by King yesterday in efforts to gauge interest in The Answer... and pretty much everyone else on the team:

At the same time, emphasized one of those GMs: "A.I. is not the only player Billy is looking to move. His second breath is about Chris Webber." And that's not where the conversation stops.

Everybody is gladly available. Andre Iguodala or Sam Dalembert may have to be surrendered in order to move Webber ($20.7M/22.3M next season) or A.I. "But the big push is on to deal Iverson.”

The Post is known for sensationalism, and maybe this will all blow over, but it’s about as sorry a time as ever for the Sixers, so maybe any change is for the best. I just wish King had dealt Iverson in the off season, instead of waiting for the meltdown that will inevitably result in teams offering 50 cents on the dollar for one of the greatest to ever play the game. By extension, King will probably get less than market value for Iguodala if he's moved as part of the Webber-fiasco salary dump. It seems like every other move King makes is to compensate for a previous mistake. How does someone with such poor understanding and control of the salary cap still have a job?

Iverson’s been a star here for a decade, and on many occasions, he’s professed his love for the city, the team, and its fans. It’ll be sad to see him go, but I think he deserves a better supporting cast—and definitely a better front office—to match his talent.

Comments

[Drew]

This is the Roberts fault they would not let King do anything this summer because they were mauling selling the team and didn't want the star player gone before the sale.

[enrico]

Drew has a point. If and when the Sixers move Iverson, the abismal attendance they have now will only get even worse. The Wach will be empty.

Great post Matt.

[Hone]

Being 24 and never really witnessing a championship besides in diapers, it will be a sad day when AI is moved (esp because you know we will get crap in return.) I can't tell you the amount of times I've witnessed Iverson flat-out kill it in person, or while watching at home or a bar. Certain people in this city can hate the man all they want, but I can guarentee you he will be missed - and 20 years from now we will be explaining to people how much he dominated the game while here.

[gootman]

Its about time to blow this franchise up and start over. If they do trade AI or Webber they better fire Billy King first and get a competent GM to make the trade for some young talent and/or draft picks. I just hope they don't trade Iguodala.

[enrico]

I'm a fan of Iggy. I like his game and his attitude. I feel like moving him to PG isn't working to well. While I'm a big fan, I wouldn't be entirely upset if the decided to move him. You can't expect to trade crazy expensive shit (Webber) and get anything back without including something somebody would actually want.

[Joe Manning]

I'm 24 and have also never seen a championship ... but I think it's pretty clear that A.I. is never gonna deliver a championship at this point - certainly not with the team as screwed as it is.

[Dan]

Wow..Ive seen it before..Iverson Leaving Town, yadayada. But all of that specualtion surrounded a team that was atleast mediocre. This team is abysmal and doesnt seem to be getting any better. I do hope that if they trade him that they dont make the mistake of placing him on a team in the Atlantic, cause i heard previous rumors about AI going to the celtics. Ha I dont even wanna think of trying to stop AI....Being one of his biggest supporters I would no doubt root for him if he does leave. And please, someone relieve us of our biggest problem - Billy King!

[Field Negro]

I would hate to see AI go too but..... Hey, can Billy King go right behind him?

[Chris]

I don't think that the Roberts brothers kept the reins tight on Mr. Snider and Billy King this summer. Everyone knows that the only way to sell a company is to keep doing busines they way you always would.

As for AI leaving, it's a certainty. When you are listed as "Out - Back - Coach's Decision," it's already over.

[Jerry]

After much consideration, I will be glad to see him go. He shoots 41% from the field and has taken more shots than any two of his teammates COMBINED. No great player has won by taking and missing so many of his team's shots. I'm a Sixers fan, but I'm through with them until they lose A.I. and maybe King. Any team that picks him up will suffer (except at the ticket booth).

[Walklett]

How can you bad-mouth a guy who consistently leads the league in scoring and always in the top ten (or five) in steals and assists? He's still one of the top 3 basketball players in the league. Don't be an idiot, Jerry. Maybe you should do some more considering. Plus, has to take more shots than his teammates because they suck.