NBA Trade Rumors: Latest on Andrei Kirilenko and Brandon Bass
A couple of fine role players could be had for the right price early on during the 2014 NBA season.
If the latest NBA trade rumors have any validity, then it appears as if Andrei Kirilenko and Brandon Bass could be dealt. The two forwards have played vastly different roles on the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics, respectively, but that doesn't mean each doesn't have his own place in the league.
Curious to see where Kirilenko and Bass might end up? Continue reading on to find out.
Andrei Kirilenko
Kirilenko is a prime trade candidate given his low usage by the Nets (5.1 minutes per game in seven contests) and his $3.3 million contract that will expire at the end of the season.
AK-47 has scored just three points all year, each of which came on a free throw. He hasn't been utilized by head coach Lionel Hollins, and the Nets could certainly look to cut ties with the veteran sooner rather than later.
But who would take him off their hands? ESPN.com's Marc Stein reported two teams who could have interest:
The 33-year-old played with the Utah Jazz for 10 seasons after the franchise took home the No. 24 overall pick in the 1999 NBA draft. He averaged 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game with the team, contributing stellar defense along the wing in the process.
His defense earned league-wide praise at the close of the 2005-2006 season when he was named to the NBA's All-Defensive first team.
Since his decade in Utah, Kirilenko has dropped off drastically. He was pretty good for the Minnesota Timberwolves during a one-year stint, but he has found absolutely no success in Brooklyn.
Could he be finished in the NBA? SI.com's Chris Mannix thinks he may be:
Just because the Jazz might acquire him doesn't mean he'll actually suit up. Kirilenko could certainly be cut from the roster.
This is a no-brainer move for the Nets. Jeremy Evans is a good young wing player, and Toure Murry can both pass and defend. Bringing back either one for a useless player would be a major haul.
Brandon Bass
Bass, on the other hand, is an extraordinarily useful player.
The 29-year-old forward is a perfect role player for a team looking to contend this season. He's averaging 8.3 points per game on 52.8 percent shooting, partially making up his strong PER of 16.29. Given his pretty affordable salary of $6.9 million, Bass is a candidate to be dealt.
Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald reports that some other teams have already checked in: "Scouts and opposing front-office types have begun to speak and inquire about the 29-year-old forward, a practice that’s generally a precursor to discussing a trade."
Bass has watched his role decrease this season, averaging just 18.5 minutes per game—his lowest mark since 2009-10. That will happen on a young team with growing players such as Jared Sullinger and Kelly Olynyk commanding minutes, however.
Any team that acquires Bass would be getting a player who is versatile in terms of what his role can be. He can come off the bench, like he currently is in Boston, or he can average 27.6 minutes per night and start a majority of the games, similar to what he did the past two seasons with the C's.
The shift in minutes would ordinarily upset many players, but Rajon Rondo told Bulpett how Bass has handled it with class:
"He’s a professional. That’s why he’s here. That’s why he’s getting paid the big bucks. He does what it takes to stay at this level, and he’s playing at a high level. Regardless of whether he’s starting or coming off the bench — you know, there are nights where he may play 30 (minutes) or play 10 — he’s consistent. He’s always been really consistent and ready to go.
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There will certainly be a decent-sized market for a big man who can defend and shoot the mid-range jumper. Any number of contenders are already in the market for some more depth, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers.
Bass' situation is one that could resolve itself quickly. Once general manager Danny Ainge commits to trading him, something will materialize.
Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @kennydejohn.
