The New York Knicks, winners of just two of their first 11 games, are seriously contemplating signing Allen Iverson if he clears waivers Thursday evening.
"We are at a point where, 'Do we need an influx of something else?' " Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni said. "It is always a fluid situation. It is fluid right now. We are just trying to determine what is the best for this organization and these players."
If the Knicks do decide to make an offer to Iverson, it would not happen until after this weekend's games, league sources told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.
This offseason, the Knicks chose not to try to sign Iverson, then a free agent. The Knicks believed Iverson would take too many minutes from starting point guard Chris Duhon and backups Nate Robinson and Toney Douglas. The Knicks also have been playing Larry Hughes in the backcourt.
The Knicks are basing all of their decisions on how they will affect their salary-cap room in preparation for the vaunted free-agent class of 2010, leading to criticism that they are throwing away this season. If they were to sign Iverson, it might be seen as evidence that they are trying to make something of this season.
Iverson, 34, signed with Memphis but agreed to part ways with the Grizzlies after just three games. He averaged 12.3 points per game, but was dissatisfied with coming off the bench.
The New York Daily News reported Thursday that the Miami Heat are also interested in signing Iverson. D'Antoni indicated that he would like to talk with Iverson before making any final decision.
"I don't think we are ready to say 'Yay' or 'Nay' yet," D'Antoni said.
Knicks president Donnie Walsh said he has talked with officials from around the league about Iverson to get a better read on what he could bring to Madison Square Garden. He has no timetable on making a decision.
"I'm not tweeting this," Walsh said.
Iverson is eligible to be signed by other teams if he clears waivers at 6 p.m. ET Thursday.
