Allen Iverson may never be the same guy who averaged nearly 27 points per game two seasons ago.

He turns 34 on June 7, and that's an age when many small guards lose their legs and begin a rapid decline. He also had a few back problems this season in Detroit, where he sometimes came across as a selfish whiner.

That's probably an unfair label, but it's nothing new. For better or worse, the only things Iverson ever wants are the ball and victories. He didn't get much of either with the Pistons (although he obviously must share part of the blame for that).

Still, he's Allen Iverson. He still plays with a fearless heart, he still can be a nightmare for defenders, he still can give you around 20 points a night. And despite his lousy reputation, he can help you win and make things easier for a team that's looking to sell tickets.

Best of all, he's available. That's right, Iverson is an unrestricted free agent.

That's all we can really say for sure. Well, that, and the fact Detroit won't bring him back.

But a lot of other teams are interested. All will likely wait to see how the summer unfolds before reaching out to him, but before next season, Iverson will have a new home.

The L.A. Clippers are said to be one possibility, especially if they succeed in their frantic attempts to trade Baron Davis.

Golden State is another, particularly if the Warriors can move Jamal Crawford.

Word is Washington has some interest (although that seems unlikely), as does New Jersey (even more unlikely).

There's also a chance Iverson will sign with a team that's actually contending and try to put it over the top as he continues to chase his first championship.

Boston GM Danny Ainge gave Stephon Marbury an opportunity when no one else would, and Iverson is half the risk and twice the talent.

New Orleans has a true point guard in Chris Paul, an All-Star who could create some great looks for a scorer like A.I.

And let's not forget Philadelphia, the place where Iverson began his pro career. It could be the perfect landing spot, depending on the plans of new coach Eddie Jordan.

The question is, what will Iverson be chasing more -- the money, or the ring?

If it's money, expect Iverson to end up with someone like the Clippers or even Charlotte, where he would be reunited with Larry Brown. Yes, their relationship was fairly strained with the Sixers, but that was nearly a decade ago. Both are different people today (or at least say they are).

And doesn't Iverson seem like he would be a perfect fit for Mike D'Antoni's run-and-shoot offense in New York?

On the other hand, if Iverson decides to go after a title, he will not only need to agree to give up the ball more and play a reserve role, but he must find a winning team that believes he's capable of doing either or both.

The bottom line is Iverson ain't the man he used to be, but who is? When a guy has had a career like his, he's at least worth a look. And you can be sure plenty of teams will give him a long one.

IN OTHER NEWS

* There have been widespread reports that Phoenix could deal center Amare Stoudemire to the Wizards for forward Antawn Jamison, the No. 5 overall draft pick and guard Mike James and his expiring contract. When asked if the deal seemed like anything more than a rumor, a Western Conference executive put it this way: "It's a definite possibility, I guess."

* One thing that's not in doubt: The Wizards are actively dangling the fifth pick for a starting veteran. They are said to have contacted San Antonio to find out about the availability of Manu Ginobili, but that rumor was quickly shot down by both sides. The Wizards may also try to make a run at unrestricted free agent forward Shawn Marion (Toronto) or guard Ben Gordon (Chicago).

* Mike Bibby is another free agent whose name is suddenly starting to show up in various reports. He supposedly is leaning toward a return to Atlanta, but the Pistons might make a play if Bibby's price is right.

* Finally, it's interesting that Eddie Jordan spurned the Kings to become coach of the Sixers. Kings GM Geoff Petrie obviously wants someone who will run the Princeton offense (not to mention someone who is OK with former Princeton coach Pete Carril sitting behind the bench all the time), and obviously, Jordan fit the description. He was considered the frontrunner for the Kings job before suddenly pulling an about-face. Wonder what went wrong?

* Either way, it will take a special person to coach this poorly run franchise. Kings owners Jim and Gavin Maloof tend to interfere with key basketball decisions, and Petrie isn't exactly known as the hardest-working man in the NBA. According to one inside source, Petrie typically arrives to the office around 11 a.m., then calls it a day about two hours later. Nice work if you can get it.

Sam Amico is the editor of Pro Basketball News. He can be reached at amico@probasketballnews.com.