Iverson signs extension to stay with 76ers through 2008-09

[Shibby]

PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers have agreed on a four-year contract extension that will keep the three-time NBA scoring champion in Philadelphia through the 2008-09 season.

"I always wanted to be a Sixer. I always wanted to finish my career as a Sixer," Iverson said as the deal was announced at a special event for season ticket-holders Wednesday night at the Wachovia Center.

Terms were not announced, but a team source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Tuesday the extension would pay Iverson $76.7 million over four years.

Iverson has one year plus an option remaining on his current deal, which will pay him more than $28 million over the next two years. The extension begins in 2005-06.

Iverson averaged 27.6 points last season, helping Philadelphia finish 48-34 and advance to the second round of the playoffs. He was the NBA's MVP in 2000-01, when he led the 76ers to the Eastern Conference championship for the first time since 1983.

In seven seasons, Iverson is averaging 27.0 points and 5.6 assists. This summer, he helped the U.S. team qualify for next year's Olympics.

Iverson had a contentious relationship with former 76ers coach Larry Brown, who left to coach the Detroit Pistons after last season. Iverson gets along well with new coach Randy Ayers, who was Brown's assistant.