| Gauging Iverson’s Value Authored by Patrick J. Austin - July 9, 2006 - 7:33 pm
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As you can see, there’s been no definitive trade rumor that substantiates Iverson’s exit from Philadelphia. However, all of these rumors do prove that other teams believe A.I. can be had for the right price…whatever that may be. Which leads to the most important question everyone wants to know – what is Iverson’s value? What can the team expect, or even demand, from another franchise? First, let’s break down the most popular rumors that were recently bandied about…
Rumor #1 – Iverson goes to Boston in exchange for Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, Gerald Green, and draft picks.
There are positives and negatives with this trade. The most glaring negative is having to take on Wally Worlds bloated deal. He’s essentially Kyle Korver, but with a 10 mill a year contract. The positive is obviously getting some much-needed young talent in West, Green, and draft picks. However, acquiring a combo guard and a swingman might not be the best decision considering the Sixers have their perimeter combo of the future in Andre Iguoldala and Rodney Carney and a talented, but raw, combo guard in Louis Williams.
Rumor #2 (basically an expanded version of #1) – Iverson goes to Boston, Wally Szczerbiak and Al Jefferson go to Utah, and Carlos Boozer, Delonte West, and draft choices head to Philly
This trade is somewhat better than the first. The Sixers acquire a 20&10 power forward in Carlos Boozer to replace the aging Chris Webber and get the productive Delonte West to take over at point guard. Not to mention, draft picks. But of course, there are negatives to this deal aswell. Boozer has been stricken with the injury bug the past couple of years (maybe it’s karma paying him back for the way he bolted Cleveland) and his contract is just as big as Wally’s. Making him the anchor of the frontline could be a huge mistake for Philly (just look at Utah).
Rumor #3 – Iverson goes to Atlanta in exchange for a re-signed Al Harrington and either Josh Smith or Josh Childress
This deal would make the Sixers much younger and provide an injection of athleticism and versatility. But with the never-ending court battles involving Atlanta Hawks ownership and the recent ruling that they cannot take on contracts longer than one year, it appears this rumor will remain just that.
If the trade rumors listed above have any validity, it appears most GM’s feel Iverson’s trade value is equal to an overpriced veteran coupled with some young prospects. Can the Sixers get more? To be honest, the answer is no. Some may vehemently disagree with me, but if you want proof just look at the Shaquille O’Neal trade. Shaq, by all accounts, was just as valuable to the Lakers as Iverson is to the Sixers. Shaq was a former-MVP winner, a dominant player, and truly loved in Los Angeles. But when he was put on the trade block, the most the Lakers could get in return was Brian Grant (overpriced veteran), Lamar Odom (talented young player), Caron Butler (another young talent), and a first round pick (which turned into Jordan Farmar).
So when the time comes and Allen Iverson is ultimately dealt from Philly, I wouldn’t be shocked to see a similar package come the Sixers way. Boston is supposedly still in the hunt, Minnesota is making overtures of wanting to pair the Answer with the Big Ticket, and the Memphis Grizzlies would like a star guard to compliment Pau Gasol. But none of these teams are willing to part ways with their respective star in return for the Sixers marquee player.
This could be a franchise-altering summer if Iverson is indeed sent packing from the Sixers. In one move, the organization could be crippled for many years to come, or receive a breath of fresh air to reinvigorate a stagnant franchise. We’ll have to wait and see what moves Billy King has up his sleeve. |
