Andrei Kirilenko left $10.2 million on the table next season to opt out of his deal with the Timberwolves. He ended up signing a two-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets that will pay him $3 million a season.
Kirilenko gives Nets much-needed insurance
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY SportsIt’s impossible to really grade the value of this contract like we would others. Kirilenko got other bigger offers, including from the San Antonio Spurs in a potential sign-and-trade scenario, but his agent told David Aldridge of NBA.com that he just wanted to play for a winning team. His relationship with owner Mikhail Prokhorov was also a plus, and no team could have matched that. In terms of value, Kirilenko’s deal may be the biggest bargain of the summer, but it would be unfair to suggest that another team could have reasonably done more to secure his services.
Regardless, signing Kirilenko is a huge win for Brooklyn. It’s time to take the Nets seriously as a title contender.
Read Article >Nets nab Andrei Kirilenko
Greg Smith-USA TODAY SportsThe Nets seemingly get a steal of a free agent deal, bringing on the defensive-talented Russian for a three-year deal worth $3.18 million annually, Ken Berger of CBS Sports reports. The third year of the contract is a player option.
Brooklyn owner Mikhail Prokhorov is quite familiar with the fellow Russian. Kirilenko played for the CSKA Moscow, a team supported by Prokhorov.
Read Article >Kirilenko opting out of deal with Wolves
Greg Smith-USA TODAY SportsKirilenko likely won’t get over $10 million a year on his next contract, but he’s hoping for one last long-term deal. The 32-year-old will reportedly be seeking a three or four-year deal.
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