A Big Question for The Answer: Allen Iverson Pondering Contract Offers

The Memphis Grizzlies have reportedly offered 34-year old guard Allen Iverson $5.8 million to come play for them.

The signing would pair him with potential stars O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay. At the same time, it would possibly make slow-to-learn point guard Mike Conley Jr. the odd man out.

However, two things prevent this from happening.

First, Iverson seems to be interested in a team that offers him three things: money, a starting gig, and a chance at a title.

Though Iverson won't be landing the latter—unless he magically gets over himself and accepts less money for a role off someone'e bench—he could still get the first two requirements.

The most interesting factor is that the Grizzlies would risk their youth movement on Iverson's age and reputation. Slightly less interesting is how Iverson would even consider splitting up his production with two other blooming stars while possibly splitting minutes with Conley.

While the Grizzlies have the only reported offer for Iverson, the Miami Heat and Charlotte Bobcats appear to be the other two teams on AI's list. The Chicago Bulls are a distant fourth team that could possibly be involved in a sign-and-trade deal.

The Heat are reportedly not willing to go over $2 million for the aging star. Miami enamored with their back-court of Mario Chalmers and their superstar, Dwayne Wade.

However, if they want to entice Wade into re-signing, bringing in some kind of star-power or making some sort of bold move is completely necessary, even if it doesn't work.

The Bobcats are interested, but aren't actively pursuing Iverson.

Iverson has a strong relationship and solid history with Charlotte head coach Larry Brown. Despite philosophical differences in their past, both Iverson and Brown have appeared open to a reunion.

If Iverson is willing to take less money, he could wind up in Miami. Then agIntain, if he's willing to take a pay cut for them, why not for a team that has a chance to win right now?

He tried it in Denver and Detroit, and it didn't work. He's running out of possibilities, and quite frankly, he's running out of answers.