Breaking Down the Best Landing Spots for Andrei Kirilenko's NBA Return

With former Utah Jazz small forward Andrei Kirilenko set for an NBA return, the only remaining question is where he'll land.

After starring for CSKA Moscow in Russia last season, Kirilenko considered staying in his homeland again next season. However, the former Utah Jazz star has seemingly decided that the allure of the NBA is too much to pass up (per Wendell Maxey).

The 10-year veteran should provide menacing perimeter defense and a strong finishing presence around the basket to his new NBA team.

But which teams are the best fits for Kirilenko? Here's a look at some of his best and most likely suitors on the free agent market.

Denver Nuggets

According to a report on sports.ru (as translated by Google), the Nuggets have interest in bringing Kirilenko back over to the states.

Considering the massive amount of depth on Denver's roster and incumbent small forward Danilo Gallinari's "future star" status, the team's interest sparks questions.

There's little doubt that Kirilenko, a defensive wizard, would make the Nuggets the best defensive team in basketball when paired with forward Kenneth Faried and center JaVale McGee. But would he usurp too many minutes from Gallinari and Jordan Hamilton, whose Summer League brilliance could be an indication that he deserves some regular court time?

That's the question Denver's management needs to answer before making a hard run. If Kirilenko does sign, though, the Nuggets would walk into the 2012-13 season with the deepest team in the NBA.

Golden State Warriors

Harrison Barnes, the Warriors' first-round pick in June's draft, has the ability to be a menace on both ends of the floor.

His shot-making ability made Barnes a top recruit in his high school class and the small forward continued dropping buckets in two seasons at North Carolina. There's little to any doubt his offensive prowess will translate to the next level.

On the other hand, Barnes' defensive commitment wanes at times. If Golden State can bring in Kirilenko, the former All-Star could take the No. 7 pick under his wing and force a more consistent defensive presence. If Barnes becomes consistent on both ends, the Warriors could have a superstar on their hands.

But perhaps more importantly, Kirilenko's presence would make the Warriors an instant playoff contender in a weakened Western Conference. And we've seen how well a Golden State crowd can frazzle a top seed before.

Brooklyn Nets

With star point guard Deron Williams and countryman owner Mikhail Prokhorov in hot pursuit, it long looked like Brooklyn was the best (and only) answer for Kirilenko's NBA return.

But Brooklyn cannot offer the defensive menace more than the veteran's minimum in salary—far less than what Kirilenko would make playing for CSKA Moscow in Russia. And after investing $62 million in Gerald Wallace and Kris Humphries this offseason, Kirilenko would likely have to come off the bench for the Nets.

Kirilenko would obviously give Brooklyn one of the best sixth men in the NBA and a chance to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference, though. If Kirilenko is willing to take the minimum, Brooklyn remains his most likely destination.

Minnesota Timberwolves

After losing in their attempt to acquire Portland Trail Blazers small forward Nicolas Batum, the Timberwolves have emerged as Kirilenko's most likely suitor.

The team is reportedly on the verge of trading 2010 No. 4 pick Wesley Johnson (per Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski) with other assets in an effort to give Kirilenko as much as $9 million per season over the next two years, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Kirilenko, who last averaged 11.7 points and 5.1 rebounds for the Utah Jazz in 2010-11, would obviously step in and fill the Minnesota's massive gap at the small forward slot.

But what he'll also do is give star power forward Kevin Love an indication that the Timberwolves are trying to appease his desire to win now. And if Kirilenko can avoid a Dwight Howard situation from Love, he's worth way more than $9 million.