Allen Iverson does not want to be traded before the Feb. 23 deadline.

"I don't want to," Iverson said. "Every single year that I've been here, there've been talks about me being traded. It comes up every year.

"It's something I have to deal with. This is my life. I love this place. I love the fans. I love my teammates."

Team president Billy King denies he is shopping Iverson, saying only the Sixers need him back in the lineup. Iverson missed the last three games and will probably skip Friday's game against Detroit because he has two injured ankles.

Iverson hasn't played since he was hurt in the fourth quarter against Orlando last week. He did not practice Thursday, and said a bone bruise on his right ankle bothered him more than his sprained left one.

Iverson hopes to return for Saturday's game at Cleveland.

"I'm going to make the trip to Cleveland," he said. "I don't know if I'll be able to (play), but I'll definitely go on the trip. Pregame, I'll see if I can go."