Allen Iverson to Heat?

     It has become as official as speculation can: Allen Iverson-to-the-Heat is now in play as an enticing rumor/possibility.

     Yesterday on ESPN's Quite Frankly With Stephen A. Smith -- Shameless Plug Alert: I was a guest to talk about the Dolphins-Pats "stealing signals" thing --Smith listed the Heat among the five most likely destinations for the 76ers star who wants out of Philly.

     Also yesterday, Heat coach Pat Riley put a saddle on the story and yelled giddy-up by acknowledging his interest, even likening himself to "frothing at the mouth" over the idea.

     Now in today's Herald our buddy Dan Le Batard (find his column here) advocates getting Iverson and says he'd trade away a combination of anybody but Shaq and D-Wade to make it happen.

     It's a no-brainer. I'd give up any two of Udonis Haslem, James Posey, Antoine Walker and Jason Williams, plus prospect Dorell Wright, plus a future first-round pick. And I'd do it in a nanosecond.

     Comments welcome here on the idea of the Heat getting Iverson. On the need (or not), the likelihood and what it might take. Also welcoming dissonance from those who might feel A.I. is poison and not worth it.

Comments

[Jonas]

I like the idea of Iverson coming to the Heat. However, I do have one question: who takes the last shot? Wade, James, and Melo are the faces of this league right now, do you think that Dwyane's star will fade as his number will inevitably go down? He may have many more assists a game, but who does the bulk of the scoring.

Lastly, with a healthy AI, Wade, and Shaq, would we really need two more starters?

[Hasani]

This would be a great pick-up. Can you imagine the Dwayne Wade and Allen Iverson combo?! That would be one of the most dynamic back-courts in NBA history. Just like Riley, I'm frothing at the mouth right now, ready to have a seizure just thinking about something like this actually happening. This trade would be like a video game trade that could only be possible in NBA Live 07 on my X-BOX console.

Just imagine this:

Riley: one of the greatest, if not the greatest coach of all time coaching these three studs on the same court.

Then, you would have 3 players in the same starting line-up, who will without a doubt go down as 3 of the greatest players to ever play the game once their careers are over. (Iverson & Shaq are already there, Wade's not too far behind).

Think about it, three of the potential starters for the 20007 Eastern Conference All-Star team would be the three Miami Heat starters, Shaq, Wade, Iverson!

Unbelievable!!! Make it happen! TRADE ANYONE ON THE TEAM OUTSIDE OF WADE & SHAQ TO GET THIS GUY. TRADE THE REST OF THE ENTIRE ROSTER IF YOU HAVE TO!

LET'S GO HEAT!!! GET IVERSON!

[carlos]

NO BRAINER!!!...Iverson is sick of having to do everything himself...he shoots so much because everytime he passes to his teamates they usually miss...he would not play like that here...yes, he would be a scoring point guard, but he wont be selfish because he knows that his other teamates can make shots...i am a huge j-will fan...but you have to be a moron not to want iverson...he scores more points a game than walker and j-will score in 3 games combined!!!!...if the heat get this guy...this will be one of the most dynamic backcourt combinations in nba history....D-wade and A-I???? what??!!!!! BRING IT!!!!!

hopefully walker would be in the trade instead of posey but honestly i could care less if all three would get traded for A-I

[Reggie]

"Everyone else on the Heat roster" combined isn't worth Allen Iverson. Or Kevin Garnett. Or anyone else of value in this league. I mean, get serious. What would you all say if Philadelphia said, "Hey, we'll trade you Kyle Korver, Shavlik Randolph, Andre Iguodala, Chris Webber and a first-round pick for Dwyane Wade?" We'd think they were nuts! Same applies here.

[Hasani]

If the Heat actually land this guy, they would become one of the most talented teams in NBA history! Yes, I said it! They would win the Championship easily, and a dynasty would be born.

I don't know why people make such a big deal about Iverson's age (31), just look at Steve Nash. The older the guy gets, the better he gets. Iverson has shown that he has no intention of slowing down his game at this point in his career, even though he takes a beating every night. He's going to be a superstar player for at least three more seasons, which with a young Wade carrying the load, could easily mean winning two championships during that time period.

Think about it, if Iverson was so good playing without an all-star teammate, imagine how good he'll be with Shaq and Wade opening up the court for him?!! People always criticize him about his field goal %, but imagine how much his shooting will improve when he gets wide open jumpers because of Shaq & Wade.

THIS TEAM WOULD BE UNGUARDABLE WITH IVERSON.
If Wade drives, he can kick it out to a open Iverson. If Iverson drives, he can kick it out to a open Wade. If Wade or Iverson drop it down low to Shaq, Shaq can either post, or kick it back out to either Wade or Iverson, who would then take an open jumper or drive it to the hoop. If your the opposition, who would you double team in that scenario? Who would you rather leave open?

THIS TEAM WOULD BE AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE, UNLIKE ANY THIS LEAGUE HAS EVER SEEN IN ITS HISTORY.

PLEASE MAKE IT HAPPEN HEAT!!!

[Hasani]

Reggie,

I understand what you mean, but in 2004 did Odom and Butler have the same worth as Shaq? Of course not, but the trade happened anyway.

The same applies here. Miami doesn't have equal talent to match a trade for Iverson, but if Iverson opens his mouth, denies trades to other teams, but publicly speaks about wanting to come to Miami, then that can force a Miami Philly trade to happen.

Iverson himself will play a huge role when it comes to which team he gets traded to. It really doesn't matter if Miami has equal talent to offer. From what I've heard, Iverson has already shot down several teams who have wanted to trade for him.

HE WILL FIND A WAY TO GET TRADED TO MIAMI. I CAN FEEL IT.

[Hasani]

To tell you the truth, I can really see this trade happening. Trade Wright, Haslem, Williams, Walker, and a 1st round pick to Philly for Iverson.

Many teams have expressed interest over Dorell Wright because of his youth and potential. Haslem has gained a lot of respect around the league recently for his hard work, hustle, and team play. Plus, he's still pretty young. Williams is still a solid PG, and Walker... ... Well, he's pretty bad so forget about him.

Anyways, these guys have some value that Philly may be interested in if they want to build for the future, which is what they have to do now anyway.

To compensate for those guys, we could make Quinn the back-up PG, and Simien the starting PF when he gets healthy.

[Sam Mullardi]

Florida needs another hood.

The rate of arrests by Florida athletes has dropped in recent months.

One team in Cincinnati is not out pacing all the the Florida teams combined (The Canes are in a separate category).

[Jack]

Sam...go back to Bensonhurst,Brooklyn. Really. As for this trade happening, I am salivating about the idea of teams being unable to pick their poision. High percentage shots with a greater increase in makes than misses for all three. As said before, if Iverson drives then he kicks it out to Wade; If Wade drives then...oops, Iverson is open for three. Shaq will easily clean up the boards and drop the hammer with any passes to the rim.

[the shadow knows]

allen iverson? the problem with the heat is that they lack a forward (or two forwards) with real ability;- phoenix comes to town with 3 terrific forwards:amare stoudamire, boris diaw, and shawn marion- while the heat have no one at the talent level of the aforementioned trio of suns. backcourt is fine as long as dwyane wade is there and robert hite develops; frontcourt is where the heat are in big trouble

[Gilbert]

I'm getting a stiffy with the thought of Iverson coming to the Heat! There's plenty of ideas, Posey, Williams, and Walker, plus 2 1st rounders. Keep Wright and Simien. I say two 1ST ROUNDER, cause with all likelyhood, they will wind up being low pics anyways due to the Heats winning records/Championship. Pick up some veterans during the offseason that are hungry to win a championship, and what we've got here, is the Miami's modern day version of the Bulls that could win 6 out of the next eight titles, if not more!

Rile's would be a geneous if he can make this happen and want to coach for an addition 2-3 years to try to cement is already hall of fame coaching career.

Lets Go HEAT!

[Jose]

Getting Iverson would be something special, without a doubt. It would definitively be electrifying watching him and D-Wade in the backcourt. However, giving up Haslem, Walker, J-Will, Wright and a draft pick is just too much. Who will be the power forward? Who will help Shaq and Zo do the dirty work?

I really believe a trade should be made, opportunities like this don't come often, but you must keep Haslem.

Trade J-Will, Walker , a draft pick and if they still not satisfied, include Wright.

Pat go ahead and do your thing, make it happen so we could go out and celebrate again and again and again.

Go Heatttttttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!

[Jason]

Everyone should go except Wright and Haslem Wade and Shaq....you need a warrior like Haslem and oh yeah MOURNING! No championship without MOURNING!!!!!!

[David Tucker]

I've thought about this since the day I heard AI was up for grabs. We need him and he'd make the Heat an incredible team for several more years while giving Miami the chance to bring in more young blood for the inevitable departure of those two.

One player who we need to keep though is Haslem. I think he is part of the present and future.

[Ron]

Well im not sure about haslem...every championship team has a behind the scenes man, and haslem has certainly proved himself at that role. Yeah, it'll be a talented team with the likes of those 3, but I wouldnt put my money on them for a championship. for me, dwade shaq and haslem are the untouchables...GP, walker, jwill, dorell, all the draft picks they want, CHUCK THEM AT PHILLY, but Haslem is the take charge, 24/7 hustler we need to get that trophy again.

[A.M.]

Wait just a second...We've seen how difficult it is for the Heat to move the ball without J-Will. Do we really want to give up one of the better point guards in the league? Haslem? Not only is he a local product, but he is starting to break out offensively while still giving you the hussle and fight. Posey? Can we give up the defensive energy and the 3-point threat from the bench? Walker? Well, no one would want him, but he is still a proven veteran and former All-Star who has had a horrible season so far. However, he is a shooter, and shooters need to shoot to get out of their funk. He will improve. Wright? Of all, he is the best trade bait, but not enough to get A.I. In my opinion, Wright has been a major disappointment so far. NO doubt A.I. is a premier scorer, but he has a penchant for complaining and causing friction, but worse, he takes his concerns public. That is not in keeping with the "15-Strong" mentality. This team, as is, will improve. I remember all the similar panic at this time last year.

[scuba]

Some of you are funny. Why don't we just ask Philly to give him to us for free cause we are nice people?

You have to give something to get something and it is that simple. Last time I checked we were 9-12 without our bread and butter players playing, but with some of those players you don't want to give up.

If possible, forfeit two number 1 draft picks if necessary (We will be picking near the second round anyhow)and anybody else other than Wade and Shaq.

[noel]

get rid of walker cant wait for that to happen, trade j-will he is always injured cant play d-fence! posey i will miss, d-wright well we dont have enough time to wait for his emergence, it will take him a while to get good and WE WANT RINGS NOW!! SHAQ WILL BE LORD OF THE RINGS.

GET IVERSON PLEASE!!!!

[Kenneth]

We need to get rid of walker ASAP! But as far as the trade like some of you stated, we need to keep HASLEM..to me he is just as important as SHAQ and WADE..may not give you the pts or the star power but his work ethic is second to none.

A.I. to M.I.A

[Steverino]

Depth Chart:
Iverson Payton Quinn
Wade Hite
Posey Kapono
Haslem Simien
O'Neal Mourning Doleac

We'll have to pick up a few more serviceable players on trades/waivers or something.

Gone:
Earl Barron
Antoine Walker
Jason Williams
Dorell Wright
2 Future Draft Picks

I think that would be fair and totally sweet.

[CT]

JUST MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!

[Hasani]

TRADE HASLEM TOO!... Only if its necessary though.

I'm reading all of these comments about Haslem's value and how he should be untouchable when it comes to a trade. Don't get me wrong, Haslem is great for this team with his style of play and hustle, but please!

If you were a GM, and you were one player away from getting Allen Iverson, and the 76ers asked you for Haslem, are you telling me that you would say no?!! That would be ridiculous.

Superstars make teams win, not the other way around. Role players like Haslem are effective because they are surronded by at least one or two superstar players. In other words, Wade & Shaq are the ones who make Haslem so valuable, not the other way around.

Now imagine having three legitimate superstar players on your team. Don't you think they will make whatever role players remain even better? Of course!

What I'm saying is that Haskem is more replaceable than some of you may think. What we will lose in hustle we will make up with A.I's pure talent.

All Miami would have to do is find some veteran players who hustle and play the game hard, sign them and have them come off the bench, and watch A.I., D-Wade, and Shaq do their thing.

Besides, what's so wrong with getting rid of Haslem, making Simien the starter, and adding a veteran PF?

[Rob Di-Maggio]

I AM A HUGE FAN OF THE NBA (HEAT FAN), AND FOR SOME REASON, MY INTEREST IN WATCHING NBA GAMES THIS YEAR HAS GONE DOWN. I’M KIND OF WAITING UNTIL THE LEAGE GETS MORE INTERESTING…MY EYES WENT WIDE OPEN WHEN I FIRST HEARD THE IDEA OF IVERSON COMING TO THE HEAT. I THINK THAT THIS TRADE MAKES PERFECT BUSINESS SENSE FOR THE LEAGUE, AND DAVE SHOULD USE HIS POLITICS TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN. IVERSON DESERVES A CHAMPIONSHIP, AND THE HEAT CAN DELIVER FOR HIM. MIAMI DESERVES A SECOND CHAMPIONSHIP, AND IVERSON CAN HELP. I CAN FEEL THIS TRADE FOR THE HEAT…. IVERSON, WADE, AND SHAQ IN HIGH DEFINITION. WOW!

[koby]

IVERSON + SOUTH BEACH = Potential Trouble

IVERSON + WADE + SHAQ = CHAMPIONSHIP!

Whoever is dumb enough to think that Dorell Wright,James Posey, or Even U.Haslem are more valuable than having an MVP type player matched up with two other MVP type players- is just being way too silly for me. Whocares about the baggage, walker and j will had baggage too, nothing happened with them. Imagine putting Kobe,Lebron and Yao together....hmm sounds pretty good. You know what sounds better though? Having the miami heat face THE WEST in the ALLSTAR Game. Because thats exactly what our team would be if we added A.I.----Trade everyone on the team!...Even Bernie! Who cares- we wont need a PF, or a SF...or a Bench, or EVEN A COACH, they could even win purely off talent!...If A.I. comes to Miami Im going streaking!...who's coming with??

[David Tucker]

Hasani, you're absolutely correct. If Haslem is the deal breaker then pull that trigger. I think I'd rather see the Heat throw in an additional 2nd rounder than send Haslem though if they would go for that.

But he's not untouchable. Only Wade & Shaq are. But he shouldn't be first on the list to get rid of either.

[Nano]

There are plenty of pieces that can be let go, other HASLEM, but if he has to included in trade talks to get Iverson, then so be it!

Now think, the Bulls during their run had Ho Grant the 1st three titles, and the Rodman the 2nd three titles

Two great Hustle men!

The Rockets during their run, had Ottis Thorpe, another great Hustle man.

After those title runs, the game began to change, smaller line ups with 2 superstar. When the Lakers won their three titles, it was Kobe and Shaq, and everyone else. No other names really stand out.

With all that being said, if as much as I don't want Haslem to go, if thats the final piece that Philly wants to seal the deal, sorry dog, but you gotta go. Simien just needs more playing time.

[Bryan Farinas]

IT'S TRUE WHAT LEBAFAG WROTE IN HIS COLUMN TODAY. AS LONG AS YOU KEEP D-WADE AND SHAQ, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO TRADE ANYONE ELSE IN THE ROSTER TO TRY TO GET IVERSON. EVERYONE IS LIVING IN THE PAST WITH LAST YEAR'S CHAMPIONSHIP. THAT'S GONE! EVEN SUNSHINE NETWORK KEEPS MILKING AND PLAYING THESE CHAMPIONSHIP VIDEOS. WE'RE NOT GOING ANYWHERE WITH THIS TEAM AS IT IS TODAY, AND WITH IVERSON WE WILL TURN IT AROUND. IF PHILLY DOESN'T WANT WALKER, GIVE HIM TO ANY OTHER TEAM FOR FREE!!!!!!!!!

[Hasani]

David, I agree with you. I would hate to see Haslem go, and I don't think he should be one of the first options to go in a trade. However, Miami would be dumb to refuse an offer for Allen Iverson's 31 points per game just to keep Haslem.

Haslem plays with heart, but would you rather his 13 ppg and 8 rebounds, or would you want the leading scorer in the entire league. That's what it all comes down to. Let's use common sense here.

Talent wins championships in the NBA, not heart. Talent + Heart equals dynasties such as Magic's Lakers and Jordan's Bulls of the past, but talent usually comes first in the NBA. Haslem has all the heart and hustle in the world, but all that heart cannot lead a team to a championship without the superstar talents.

Besides, we're talking about Haslem's heart and hustle, but who in the NBA shows more of that on the court than Iverson. That man plays with heart nightly.

GET A.I.

[David Tucker]

Oh, I know. I just like that Haslem's homegrown and a Gator ;) Gotta stick up for a fellow Gator!

Seriously though, AI coming here is too huge to pass. I think if Riles wants him this badly, he'll figure it out.

[Jorge De Pina]

I think we need a guy like Iverson. FAST. I'm sorry but with Shaq on the decline and no real 3rd option we need someone with Iversons capabilites. Like whatever I know I like Haslem and Wright (with his cute little haircut), but Iverson is so hot plus he's not afarid which what I like in a man and a basketball player. Please Mickey and Patty make it happen.... Until then I guess I'll have to continue on in my fanatasy land with Dwade, Shaq (or Monster), and A.IIIIII...

[Bryan Farinas]

Damn Jorge,

Youre pretty gay! Yeah Mickey and Pat make it happen, so this homo can final bust one.

[Bryan Farinas]

I forgot to ask you Jorge, give me your personal information, I would like to discuss other things in detail with you...including maybe a dinner or a night out on south beach? send it to bryanisshort@gmail.com. Send me your phone number, you sound interesting! =)

[Hasani]

Jorge,

Are you a guy or a girl? Based on your comments about these players, I'm thinking your either a girl, or have a little sweet sugar in your blood if you know what I mean.

What's up with that? Leave your fantasies at home dude, don't share them with us on a blog.

[DAX]

HEY HASANI, WHAT ARE YOU WEARING PANTIES??? LEAVE JORGE ALONE...WE DON'T DISCRIMINATE IN THIS BLOG...BESIDES GET A LIFE, YOU'VE WRITTEN ABOUT 10 TIMES ALREADY...DON'T YOU HAVE A JOB, OR THINGS TO DO...GET OF THE COMPUTER YOU PERV!!!

[Bruno]

Haslem and wright will stay with the heat, for one they already have Korver and Carney along with Webber who i doubt the yare trading and second i mean just trading posey, walker, willams, wright, halsem and 2 first round picks in the same deal is a lot for him, heck the Clippers are only offereing the 2 M's in Maggette and Mobley while we are offering 5 quality players. I think it should be Walker, Willams, 2 first round picks for him.

Lineup afterwards:

PG: Allen Iverson (The Answer)
SG: Dwyane Wade (The Flash)
SF: Dorell Wright
PF: Udonis Haslem
C: Shaquille O'neal (The Diesel)

[katherine j. Hernandez]

I think A.I would provide less pressure to Wade and he probably would be our Steve Nash in terms of the assits he'll amount with Wade and O'neal and i predict for here on out if iverson traded to Miami, we'll have a thirty point scorer and you can expect Wade and Iverson also big free throw shooters to give other teams problems with fouls and they'll score at least 25-27 a game.

[Nano]

Jorge, i think you mispelled you last name. Jorge De Pinga maybe? Or Jorge De Pennis? Which ever it is, I'm sure Iverson & Wright could care less about "cute haircuts", but I"m sure a couple of the brothas in Cell block D down in County would like to inagurate you in the Sotomite Fraternity!

Choo Choo!

[Bryan Farinas]

A sick ass team Bruno... I like the sound of that. They should just gives us the rings if we pull that off...

[marcus]

only way this deal works is if we can keep wright.

why?

not just because he is t mac circa toronto (i.e.: about to blow up as a star next season).

not just because we would be mortgaging our future (and our pippen to wade's jordan) for only around three great seasons from iverson.

because of this: wright is wade's best friend on the team. who did wade hug first when we won it all in dallas? his boy, wright. to trade wade's confidante and emotional support system on the team would be a psychological blow to wade and could put him in a funk and give him cause to leave town in a few years. i'm not saying you keep wright just because wade's his buddy. wright is a genuine stud in the making, who can develop into an all-star and be a perfect complement to wade for a decade, like pippen was for mj.

so if we can keep wright in any iverson deal, i'm all for it.

riley is one of the few coaches who could command iverson's respect (phil jackson and popovich being the others). but let's keep in mind, if iverson resists and rebels against riley it would poison the team chemistry. that to me is the biggest risk of getting iverson. but i think with shaq in his ear and riley having adjusted his coaching style, iverson would be able to fit in over time.

in the end, i think we'll be okay if we don't get him, but his defense, intensity and will to win could be a lift.

[Bryan Farinas]

am a boy, kay, what is bryan, a boy name, and my name is Bryan depingoeer, 4 ure info, go away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Bryan Farinas]

HEY NANO...WHY DONT YOU LEAVE JORGE ALONE AND STICK TO THE TOPIC! WHAT WOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT CELL BLOCK D...YOU WERE INAGURATED ALREADY??? THE TOPIC IS IVERSON, NOT GAY JAIL SEX...

[Koby]

Marcus, thats a bunch of bullcrap.
If iverson comes to miami you really think wade would give a crap if dorell wright(who?) gets traded man...come one thats ridiculous

[Bruno]

Simien needs another year, tradign Haslen will only prompt the heat to make a trade for a PF and then everyone will talkign about getting KG (Garnett because we have IVERSON, WADE, O'NEAL)
IMAGEN THAT?

[Bryan Farinas]

Bruno we're getting ahead of ourselves here... Its going to be tough ... espiecally since I heard the Nets are offering Kidd, 1st rounder, and a player off the bench for A.I... Pat better make a move quick.

[Bruno]

Why do you think we even talking about this?
The heat only want to get rid of Walker's contract, willams with his knee, and get him. they don't really need a PG of his caliber more like PF but this is just to scare other teams with A.I, Wade, and O'NEAL. I don't think the Heat will give up Haslem, or Wright cause the sixers already have Carney and Korver as well as Webber and then we will be of need.

[katherine j. Hernandez]

Okay guys, I think the Sixers can have anyone but WADE, O'NEAL, WRIGHT, and Haslem, but other than that it is not worth getting A.I cause it will hurt the chemistry!

[Bryan Farinas]

I think the Heat will trade the house, exception of Wade and Shaq for A.I. There's no loyalty here and I don't blame them. When you have a chance to get a player like A.I. , shit Riley would throw his wife in there for A.I. I really hope it goes through cause I can't see this team repeating.

[Nano]

Bryan, are the Blog police here? I agree, lets stick to the topic, cut haircuts and sexy basketball players from someone named Jorge, sort of opens up pandoras box with lots of opinions. I'm not yelling fire in a movie theater am i? No, neither is Jorge comments wrong on cute ball players either, so why didn't you get on him about sticking to topics, not fashion and sex symbols!

I think we all agree, we want Iverson in Miami, how bout that?

[Bryan Farinas]

Youre right Nano. But I think its something that has turned into not wanting, but needing Iverson, cause this team doesnt have it to win it all again. Dont get me wrong , Wright is a good player, Iverson is a great player, if we have to trade Wright and Haslem, so long, and make sure they pack a sweater.

[katherine j. Hernandez]

look: Antoine Walker $7,606,820, Jason Williams $8,250,000 for A.I Allen Iverson $17,184,375 WHICH fits the picture. add two first rounders and you're set. but heck all the USA thinks A.I for the Heat isn't a good fit which is 64% and only 57% of Floridians think it is a good fit, still a low number.

try espn's trade machine and you'll see what am talking bout: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/features/trademachine

IF U WANNA TALK MORE I go 2 beach high