The Allen Iverson trade gossip is getting out of hand. At one point, it was the Celtics that was close to landing Allen Iverson, but it turns out they're too reluctant to part with Al Jefferson. Then, Golden State was sure to get him, but they're too reluctant to give up Monta Ellis. Then Sacramento seemed to be the front runner, but they said they were backing out. Some presume they backed out to cover up that Iverson didn't want to play in Sacramento.
 

It's a shrewd game of chess, and fantasy owners with Iverson on their team are losing the battle. AI's missed the last four games and will continue to miss games until he gets dealt.

The rumors seem to be changing on a daily basis, but one of the reasons it might be taking so long is that players who signed contracts during the offseason aren't eligible to be traded until Friday, December 15th. For intensive purposes though, here's the most recent updates:
 

• The Denver Nuggets have rekindled their efforts and are apparently working on a three-way trade for Iverson with Portland. Denver would receive Allen Iverson, Portland would get Nene from Denver, and Philadelphia would get Joe Smith and his expiring contract of $6-$7 million a year, Jamaal Magloire's expiring contract of $8-$9 million a year and a first round draft pick.
   
• Just a day or two ago, everyone thought that Iverson was headed to Golden State along with Steven Hunter in exchange for Baron Davis, Andris Biedrins and another player. It seems that is less likely to happen as the Sixers want Monta Ellis and the Warriors don't want to part with him.
    
• Miami reportedly has some interest in Iverson, but it doesn't appear like they're huge players at this point. 
   
• Corey Maggette's agent has asked for a trade and the Clippers were trying to swing a deal to land Iverson for Maggette and Cuttino Mobley. The Sixers want Shaun Livingston, though, and the Clippers don't want to give him up.
   
• Minnesota might be more involved in Iverson talks than people think. Owner, Glen Taylor, said they didn't want AI, but another source said that if Kevin Garnett said he wanted Iverson as a teammate, Taylor would do what he could to make it happen. 

Anyway, my prediction is that Iverson doesn't get dealt until this Friday.