NBA Rumors: Brooklyn Nets In Trade Discussions With 76ers For Andrei Kirilenko
By Marcus Bass
It was clear that Andrei Kirilenko‘s time with the Brooklyn Nets was drawing to a close. It was crystal clear that Kirilenko wasn’t included in new coach Lionel Hollins‘ plans, as his 19 minutes of action last season dwindled down to 5.1.
With Kirilenko unhappy about his role with the Nets, and Hollins unwilling to provide him with a greater one, the Nets are rumored to be pursuing trades for the 12-year pro, and at the moment the Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as partners in a successful trade.
According to ESPN Nets reporter Ohm Youngmisuk, the Nets and 76ers are exploring a trade that would move Kirilenko to the Sixers, where he could be subsequently waived and made an unrestricted free agent.
According to sources, Nets have had preliminary talks w/ Sixers about moving Kirilenko + Karasev. In such case Sixers likely waive Kirilenko
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) November 21, 2014
Makes sense. Kirilenko was told directly by Hollins that he wouldn’t be a part of the Nets rotation in private before the start of the regular season. Russian native Kirilenko had no problem in giving his detail of the exchange recently in an interview with Russian outlet Sport-Express.
"After the first few games of the season Hollins himself came up and said, Andrei I do not see your role on the team. I respect him for his honesty and candor. I think in this situation it’s silly to demand something as a way to put pressure on the coach."
Sounds like a mutual parting of the ways, and while Kirilenko isn’t with the team on their current road trip, he’s played only 36 minutes this season, with Brooklyn forwards Kevin Garnett, Bojan Bogdanovic, Alan Anderson and Mirza Teletovic taking up most of the minutes at the forward spot.
This move could be the final straw between Kirilenko and the NBA, as it’s no secret the forward doesn’t mind (and has preferred) playing in Europe or his home country, Russia.
His NBA value isn’t diminished although the lack of trade partners for the Nets would suggest it. Fact is, why trade away assets for a player who will either be traded or waived. It’s also a possibility that once Kirilenko is traded (for example to the 76ers), he will be waived, wait to clear waivers and sign with another team.
This isn’t the point in Kirilenko’s career where revitalization is of upmost priority. The math is simple; certain players thrive in rotations and systems while others fail. Kirilenko is simply a product of the latter.
There are many teams that could use healthy and athletic forward capable of defending the post and wing. Kirilenko hasn’t really played both ends of the floor since his days with the Utah Jazz where in 10 seasons he averaged under double-digits in points one season.
He still sports a career average of 11.8 points and 5.5 rebounds. With the regular season not even 20 games in, and many teams into the luxury tax in addition to Kirilenko’s decrease in popularity, a veteran’s minimum contract with a needy club could be in his future.
Fifteen minutes with a contender looks more likely than the 6’9 forward heading back overseas.