NBA Rumors: Where Will Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson Land?

With “The Big Shamrock” now gone to Boston, only a few marquee free agents remain.  Two of them intrigue me because of their careers and questions about how much skill they have left.

Tracy McGrady is past his prime.  However, the same was said about Grant Hill.  His tenure in Phoenix proved that he had much more game left.  A few teams may be willing to bank on that.

Allen Iverson has also seen better days.  What hurts him more is the stigma he brings.  Iverson has never been known as the best teammate or hardest worker, (remember “practice?”) But as with the signing of Shaq by the Celtics, there is always a sucker GM that is willing to gamble.

Allen Iverson: Philadelphia 76ers

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CHICAGO - FEBRUARY 20: Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers moves against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on February 20, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the 76ers 122-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees tha

Iverson still wants to play.  He tweeted as much early last month.  You would be hard-pressed to find a team that is willing to grant A.I. another year to do what he has loved to do for so long. 

The first team that comes to mind that may have little issue with his return would be the 76ers.  It makes sense when you think about it.  Philadelphia is in the middle of rebuilding some semblance of a team.  It will be a few years before they can compete with the monster teams of the East.  Why not get one last pay day from an Iverson cash cow.  It may be some time before the rafters get filled in Philadelphia.

Allen Iverson: New York Knicks

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NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 20: Head coach of the New York Knicks, Mike D'Antoni reacts against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Madison Square Garden on February 20, 2010 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloadi

They were spurned by LeBron and have a very tepid chance of competing for anything this year.  They may want Carmelo Anthony to switch coasts, but that will not happen for another year.

With Amar'e Stoudemire needing some sort of scoring help, and Knicks fans getting anxious, why not throw a bone to Iverson for a year?  He will give it his all to get one more contract.  You might just win more than 35 games.

Allen Iverson: Los Angeles Clippers

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 24: Drew Gooden #0 of the Los Angeles Clippers is congratulated by Baron Davis (L) #1 and Eric Gordon (R) #10 after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Staples Center on February 24, 2010 in Lo

Well, when you are bad, you get sent off to NBA Siberia.  It may be just what Allen Iverson needs to prove he can exist on any team.  Before you nay-say, remember that the Clippers were ready to offer Iverson a job last year.  The only sticking point was that they wanted to bring him off the bench.  With every day that goes by without an offer, the bench might look a bit more appealing to A.I.

Tracy McGrady: Chicago

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CHICAGO - APRIL 25: Members of the Chicago Bulls dance team 'The Luvabulls,' perform during a time-out beween the Bulls and the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at the United Center on A

Tracy McGrady is a bit more certain to play for someone this year.  It is only a matter of time.  Issues with his health will be addressed, and he will find a contender in need of a solid veteran off the bench. 

That sounds a lot like the Chicago Bulls.  They want him.  This much we do know.  Like Allen Iverson before him, the only sticking point is his view of himself as a player.  T-Mac may want a starting gig on the Bulls, and they have too much depth to guarantee that. 

This would not be a problem if he was assured to go a bit further in the playoffs than Chicago can guarantee.  Which brings us to...

Tracy McGrady: Los Angeles Lakers

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LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 21: Los Angeles Lakers small forward Ron Artest salutes the crowd while riding in the victory parade for the the NBA basketball champion team on June 21, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 87-79 in

The Lakers have re-loaded for what could be Phil Jackson's final go-around.  They are missing one vital piece, Shannon Brown.  They are currently looking at re-signing the guard to a multi-year contract.  The problem is that they might not be able to offer him what he feels he is worth.  With other teams like New York beckoning the high-flying Brown, the Lakers may have to look elsewhere.

Enter Tracy McGrady.  With Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant running the back court, even a player of McGrady's caliber may take a back seat to play for a contender.  If Shannon Brown signs elsewhere, look for Mitch Kupchak to make a strong push for T-Mac.

It worked for another free agent last year.