Andrei Kirilenko to 76ers: Latest Trade Details, Analysis and Reaction
Three weeks removed from leaving the Brooklyn Nets amid diminished playing time, Andrei Kirilenko is headed to Philadelphia. At least for a little while.
The Nets made the deal official on Thursday:
"The Brooklyn Nets have acquired forward Brandon Davies from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for forward Andrei Kirilenko, guard Jorge Gutierrez, the Nets' second round draft pick in 2020 and the right to swap second round picks in 2018, General Manager Billy King announced today. In addition, the Nets created a $3.4 million trade exception and a $916,000 trade exception with the transaction.
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Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski was the first to report the deal on Wednesday.
Tim Bontemps of the New York Post had Kevin Garnett's thoughts on the move:
Brooklyn and Philadelphia have ramped up discussions in recent days. Wojnarowski originally reported Tuesday that the two sides were nearing a deal, though terms had not yet been agreed upon. By ridding themselves of Kirilenko's $3.33 million salary, the Nets will save around $12 million when factoring luxury tax considerations.
The 76ers, who are well below the NBA's salary cap, can take on Kirilenko's salary without issue. Wojnarowski noted they will likely release the veteran or come to a buyout agreement, allowing Kirilenko to hit free agency and sign with a contender.
Wojnarowski noted Kirilenko may not immediately be ready to sign, regardless of his suitors' wishes:
"Kirilenko would become a free agent, but it could still be several weeks – even months – before he's ready to sign a deal to play elsewhere this season, sources said.
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Davies will be sent to Brooklyn due to rules prohibiting NBA teams from trading assets for nothing. Given their desire to shed salary and Davies' non-guaranteed contract, they will very likely release him in the coming days. Davies will not be eligible to return to the 76ers this season.
More than anything, though, this deal represents the end of Kirilenko's odd Brooklyn dalliance. Owed $10 million by the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2013-14 season, Kirilenko instead declined his player option and hit free agency, where he curiously took a massive pay cut to join Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce with the Nets.
Expected to bring defensive tenacity and versatility as a swing forward, the Russian instead struggled mightily with injuries and never got into a rhythm. Kirilenko was limited to 45 games last season and struggled to make an impact; he averaged just 15 minutes per game in the Nets' aborted playoff run.
With new coach Lionel Hollins in the fold this season, Kirilenko's role shrunk even further. He was yet to make a field goal in 36 minutes and was tethered to the end of the bench when he left the team prior to a road trip last month.
“It’s tough, but there’s nothing I can do,” Kirilenko told reporters at the time. “I’m not the one making decisions, and it is what it is.”
Wojnarowski cites the Cavaliers and Clippers as potential destinations. Both contenders are in desperate need of a wing defender, though they have only the veteran's minimum to offer. The Spurs, who have long made hay with other teams' discarded parts, may be a contender if they're willing to offer more than the minimum.
Heading toward his 34th birthday with a lengthy injury history, it's fair to wonder how much Kirilenko has left. But it never pays to be picky when playing the veteran buyout game. Effective players who hit the market are few and far between. Kirilenko at 70 percent of his former self is very likely the best wing defender who will come available all season.
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