Isiah Thomas always has admired Allen Iverson and has said the Sixer star's playing style and personality mirror his own.

But in all likelihood, Philadelphia would want expiring contracts plus draft picks in return for their best and most marketable talent.

The Sixers are likely to try to include Chris Webber in a deal with Iverson as a way to reduce their payroll and remake their roster. Philadelphia would have little interest in Marbury and Steve Francis. And even if the Knicks could put together a package that would include Channing Frye, Jamal Crawford and Quentin Richardson, the Sixers would not be getting an All-Star in return and would only be adding to their payroll.

Also, it can't help the Knicks that former coach Larry Brown is close to Sixers GM Billy King and could be advising him on player moves.

"Of course, the Knicks are trying to get Allen," said a source close to the situation. "But I don't think they have much of a chance."