Walsh did say that he would not offer Iverson the mid-level exception. Most likely he would offer a one-year deal for the $1.31 million veteran's minimum. Walsh said he's not prepared to say yes or no to a deal, and that he had to speak with Iverson first. That meeting could go a long way in deciding Iverson's future in New York.

There are plusses and minuses to signing Iverson. He would come cheaply, with a one-year contract that would not impact Walsh's plan to clear 2010 cap space. And he would give a spark to a team that is off to a 2-9 start. It's a team that has sometimes looked listless, a no-no for uptempo coach Mike D'Antoni.

"Some nights their energy has been down," Knicks play-by-play announcer Mike Breen says. "One thing you can count on with Allen Iverson is that he'll play with competitive fire. The other guys might see that and step up."

Iverson could also sell tickets, and in today's poor economy that's a strong consideration.

"I think he'd sell tickets wherever he went," Breen says. "His fan base is incredible. I think it's underestimated. Because his teams haven't done well, people forget how popular he is with kids. In his heyday, you'd go around to different arenas and see his jersey everywhere. I saw that a lot. He has an up-and-down reputation, but kids love the way he plays. Maybe because of his size, he appeals to a lot of people."

The negative on signing Iverson? After last year's Stephon Marbury saga, New York is sick of drama. And Iverson has balked at subservient roles with the Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies. Also, D'Antoni's offense calls for a pass-first point guard, which is definitely not Iverson.

"If you sign him, you're giving him the keys to the car," Breen says. "He's shown he doesn't want to accept any role less than that."

Iverson's name has also been linked to the Orlando Magic, Charlotte Bobcats and Miami Heat. Magic starting point guard Jameer Nelson is out four to six weeks with a left knee injury. But Magic general manager Otis Smith has said he likely wouldn't look at Iverson to fill that spot right now, because it's so early in the season and Nelson should be back relatively soon. Miami, with Dwyane Wade, appears to be a bad fit, and the Bobcats are already well stocked at point guard with Raymond Felton and D.J. Augustin.

Enlarge By Stephen Dunn, Getty Images Allen Iverson played just three games with the Memphis Grizzlies this season before they split ways.