Denver Paid Two Firsts and Two Veterans for Allen Iverson
On December 19, 2006, the Nuggets acquired Allen Iverson and Ivan McFarlin from Philadelphia. Denver sent point guard Andre Miller, forward Joe Smith and two protected 2007 first-round draft choices, which became No. 21 Daequan Cook and No. 30 Petteri Koponen. The Nuggets official press release confirms every asset and identifies management’s intention to pair Iverson with young scorer Carmelo Anthony. Philadelphia was turning over an era built around its former MVP, accepting an established organizing guard and additional future picks rather than continuing with the same star. The contract and draft opportunity costs were substantial, not a simple two-player swap. The picks also required later rights-chain accounting before assigning complete careers to the 76ers.
Iverson Scored at a High Level but Denver Did Not Reach the Finals
Iverson gave Denver an aggressive scorer and playmaker beside Anthony, keeping opposing defenses focused on both perimeter threats. The Nuggets made the playoffs during his tenure but did not advance deep enough to win the conference or NBA title with that particular partnership. Denver moved Iverson to Detroit during 2008-09 in the separate Chauncey Billups transaction, closing a comparatively short era. His earlier 2001 Philadelphia Finals run was an achievement for the outgoing club, not Denver production. The inherited Nuggets B+ grade credits a high-profile scoring return and NBA star status while recognizing the cost in guards and selections. McFarlin did not become a major additional Nuggets rotation player, so the deal’s immediate basketball value rested primarily on Iverson. The trade improved offensive firepower without guaranteeing postseason transformation.
Miller Became a Stabilizing Guard for the 76ers
Miller supplied a mature pass-first point guard who could work with Philadelphia’s younger players, and he remained with the Sixers for more than two seasons. Joe Smith provided veteran frontcourt depth for a shorter term. The two first-round selections created additional future options, even though the prospects later played for other teams after different rights trades. The inherited 76ers B grade reflects a broad return rather than one new star of Iverson’s stature. Philadelphia could redistribute offensive responsibility and begin a transition without getting nothing back. The equal-ish original grading B+ versus B fits a transaction in which Denver secured immediate elite talent while the 76ers gained a starting guard and draft capital. This is a better comparison than treating the move as Iverson for a single anonymous draft pick.
Final Verdict
Even Trade under the inherited classification, with Denver B+ and Philadelphia B. Denver acquired Iverson and McFarlin, sending Andre Miller, Joe Smith and first-round choices later No. 21 Cook and No. 30 Koponen. Iverson delivered scoring but not a Finals trip; Philadelphia obtained multi-year guard stability.