The agent for Allen Iverson said last night that there have been talks with the 76ers about a contract extension for the four-time all-star guard.

"I'll confirm that we have had informal discussions, but I won't comment any further," Leon Rose, Iverson's agent, said last night before a summer league game.

Iverson, 28, has two years remaining on a six-year, $71 million contract, but he can opt out of the deal after the 2003-04 season.

If he signs an extension before the coming season ends, he can add five years totaling about $96 million. He is due about $12 million this year and $14 million for the 2004-05 season.

Iverson, the Sixers' scoring leader, is one of the NBA's top drawing cards, and extending his contract would get the Randy Ayers era off to a running start.

Ayers has enjoyed a good rapport with Iverson, and a contract extension would be a sign of Iverson's faith in the franchise and his new coach.