The Denver Nuggets are leading a tight, three-team race for Philadelphia 76ers star guard Allen Iverson, but the Timberwolves are a very close second, according to a Western Conference executive.

The key to the Nuggets completing a deal is finding a third team to help facilitate the trade, including moving several players whose contracts will expire after this season or next.

"It's a race," the executive said Friday. "(The Nuggets) have the best chance and the best hand. But they need someone else badly. ? I'd say (the Nuggets) with Minnesota are 1 and 1A. Then Beantown. I can't believe Miami is a real player."

Denver could execute a deal for Iverson without involving a third team but prefers to include a third team to keep from losing players.

The source said the Timberwolves are offering guards Mike James, Marko Jaric, Ricky Davis and Trenton Hassell.