Photo Credit: Allen Iverson Live

The Answer will no longer be answerable to Memphis as the struggling Grizzlies announced yesterday that they have severed its ties with troubled guard Allen Iverson.

After almost a month of speculation about Iverson’s future with the Grizzlies, the team posted a statement on its website announcing that they have completely let go of the spitfire, whose moniker is “The Answer,” due to the latter’s amazing performance in basketball.

“The Grizzlies and Allen Iverson have come to a mutual agreement that because of personal matters that forced him to leave the team on November 7, Allen will step away from the game at this time, allowing him to focus on those matters,” Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said.

Wallace, who is also the Grizzlies Vice President of Basketball Operations added: “As a result, we will be ending our contractual agreement with Allen, which will allow both parties to move forward. We wish Allen the best.”

There have been talks circulating in the grapevine about the former National Basketball Association (NBA) Most Valuable Player’s growing discontent with his relationship with Grizzlies Coach Lionel Hollins, particularly the limited playing time Hollins has been giving him.

The 10-time All-Star began an indefinite leave of absence on Nov. 7 to go to his Atlanta home to deal with some personal issue both parties did not disclose.

Iverson, 34, was signed by Memphis on September 10 for a one-year $3 million contract, after he deserted the Detroit Pistons.

After a successful campaign in 2001, taking Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals, Iverson has been a journeyman in the league, not fitting with the systems of the teams he joined and not comfortable with coming off the bench.

Last week, Memphis owner Michael Heisley told the Associated Press that he would be willing to trade Iverson to another team should a better deal come up. But based on the off-season free-agent lottery, finding a team for the diva-like guard would be a tall order.

To take over Iverson’s quarterbacking chores, the Grizzlies signed point guard Jamaal Tinsley on Saturday. Tinsley is expected to boost the squad’s backcourt presence and help the team improve their sluggish 2-8 start. (Grace R)

Sources: Associated Press via Yahoo and NBA