NBA Rumors: Andrei Kirilenko Is a Good Fit on the Nets, Deal Should Happen

Andrei Kirilenko's agent, Mark Fleisher, told Zach Lowe of Sports Illustrated that the New Jersey Nets are showing heavy interest in his client.

While Fleisher admits that the two parties have not talked contract terms, there is no denying that Kirilenko is a great fit for this Nets team.

New Jersey is a young squad, and Kirilenko brings a much-needed veteran presence to the rotation. Deron Williams cannot be the only player there to help develop the Nets' young core.

Speaking of Williams, both he and Kirilenko are familiar with each other since they spent nearly six years together in Utah. Kirilenko was a consistent beneficiary of Williams' accurate passes and the double-teams he would draw.

The same type of dynamic can be instituted once again, this time in New Jersey.

Kirilenko is no longer the superstar that he was once considered, but he remains a strong defensive player. His offense has never been as deadly as other stars', yet he is a great post-up player as well as a long-range threat.

Competition for the 30-year-old's services has not been brutal, but now that the market has thinned out quite a bit, this will only increase league-wide interest in the small forward. His agent's public statement that has the Nets in play should help to drive his stock up as well.

Kirilenko to New Jersey is nowhere near a done deal, but the Nets should take strides to make sure that it becomes one. At this stage of his career, within this system, he complements Brook Lopez and Williams perfectly.

And should Lopez turn into Dwight Howard, then he is an even better fit.

Additionally—while this may be traveling too far ahead—if New Jersey lands Kirilenko at a bargain price, he could become an integral part of a trade package later on for the Hawks' Josh Smith. The Nets should not sign him with this intention, but it is a possibility nonetheless, given they are one of Smith's preferred destinations.

As of right now, is Kirilenko a member of the Nets?

No, but if both parties are privy to how great a fit he is for the team, then he should be soon enough.

You can follow Dan Favale on Twitter @Dan_Favale.