The relationship between the Brooklyn Nets and forward Andrei Kirilenko might be close to an end. Kirilenko isn't with the team on their current road trip and has reportedly been told by coach Lionel Hollins that he won't be a part of the rotation going forward, according to an interview he gave Russian outlet Sport-Express as translated by NetsDaily:
Andrei Kirilenko not in Lionel Hollins’ plans, could be traded to 76ers
The 33-year-old forward is ready to move on but is there a place for him in the league anymore?
Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
”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.”
Kirilenko has played just 36 minutes this season after only playing 45 games in 2013-14 due to injuries. He never came close to matching his career numbers after joining the Nets on contract that was controversial at the time. And now Brooklyn has Mirza Teletovic, Bojan Bogdanovic, Kevin Garnett and Alan Anderson taking up the minutes at the forward spots, leaving the Russian as the odd man out.
Kirilenko's value is so low right now that the only team that has been rumored to be interested in trading for him is the Philadelphia 76ers and only to receive another asset attached, according to ESPN New York's Ohm Youngmisuk:
According to sources, Nets have had preliminary talks w/ Sixers about moving Kirilenko + Karasev. In such case Sixers likely waive Kirilenko
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) noviembre 21, 2014 By going through with that trade, the Nets would be reducing their tax bill significantly and opening a couple of roster spots but likely not getting any talent back.
Kirilenko, 33, should have no problem finding a team for the minimum salary if he’s traded and waived. Most contenders would welcome the defensive presence he could bring off the bench on a reduced role, even if he’s not nearly the player he once was. The question is whether he would be happy playing limited minutes for a low salary when he could return to Europe and be a star.
This is the low point in the career of a once great player. But others -- most notoriously Boris Diaw after a disastrous tenure with the Bobcats -- have been able to bounce back after being in similar situations. Time will tell if Kirilenko can turn things around and revitalize his career or if this is it for him in the NBA.
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