76ers are prepared to trade Iverson

Allen Iverson’s tumultuous career in Philadelphia took another turn Friday when the former NBA MVP hinted that a trade may be best after the 76ers sent him home and ruled him out of their next two games.

With his name swirling in heavy trade rumors, Iverson didn’t play Friday night against Washington, and 76ers President Billy King said the All-Star would not play tonight against Orlando.

Club chairman Ed Snider said the team is prepared to trade Iverson, ending his 11-year stint with the team that made him the No. 1 pick in the 1996 draft.

“It’s just time for him to go his way and for us to go our way,” Snider said.

Iverson released a statement through his agent, Leon Rose, in which he acknowledged he may have played his last game for the 76ers.

“As hard as it is to admit, a change may be the best thing for everyone,” he said. “I hate admitting that because I love the guys on the team and the city of Philadelphia. I truly wanted to retire a 76er.”

The team said earlier in the day that Iverson was scratched because of back spasms, but he was listed simply as “out” on the game notes. King said it was not a suspension and Iverson’s future would be re-evaluated after tonight’s game.

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Charlotte Bobcats starting point guard Brevin Knight will be sidelined until at least the middle of next week because of a strained left calf.