Sixers Notes: Iguodala trade talk: Phoenix, Houston

NEW ORLEANS - The latest trade talk circulating around 76ers swingman Andre Iguodala has him going with teammate Samuel Dalembert to the Phoenix Suns for star power forward Amar'e Stoudemire and, possibly, guard Leandro Barbosa.

According to an NBA source, the two teams have discussed this and other trade scenarios, although there are a few snags with the potential trade. Stoudemire's contract situation is chief among them.

The NBA's trade deadline is Feb. 18.

Iguodala has four years and $56 million remaining on his contract; Dalembert will earn $12 million next season, after which his contract expires. Stoudemire's contract expires at season's end, but he has a player option to earn $17 million for the 2010-11 season.

The Suns are very interested in Iguodala, according to the source. But are the Sixers interested in acquiring Stoudemire, who may or may not remain with the team past the end of this season?

Contrary to what has become popular belief, the Sixers are not interested in expiring contracts, so this deal would make sense only if there were assurances that Stoudemire - rumored to be balking at the thought of joining the Sixers - would remain another season and then seriously consider re-signing.

The other long-rumored trade scenario involves Iguodala going to the Houston Rockets for Tracy McGrady and his $23 million expiring contract. According to a source close to the situation, talks between the teams have stalled and could accurately be labeled as "sporadic."

At the shoot-around before last night's game against the New Orleans Hornets, Iguodala talked about the impact of trade speculation and whether he considers it flattering.

"I think I've always known how my game is seen across the league," Iguodala said. "I think I'm one of those guys who gets a lot more respect from my peers than those who don't know that much about basketball, so I think that's the good part. I'm ready for whatever - I don't look at anything as a negative."

Is this the first time in his career that widespread speculation has involved him?

"I think there was one other time - I don't think it was as much," Iguodala said. "Once you get into your bigger deals, there's talk about more. Some of the best players - Shaq has been traded a couple of times, so it's not bad at all."

Iverson out again. Last night against the Hornets, Sixers guard Allen Iverson missed his second consecutive game due to personal reasons related to an illness suffered by one of his children.

The Sixers have listed Iverson as a "game-time decision" tonight at the Houston Rockets.

Paul-less Hornets. Last night, the Hornets were without all-star point guard Chris Paul, who underwent surgery Thursday on his left knee. Paul is expected to miss four to six weeks. Before being injured, he was averaging 20.8 points, 11.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds a game.