As Kirilenko And Nets Near Deal, Team Not "Chosen By How Big The Offer Is"

It’s hard to really break news about Andrei Kirilenko’s free-agent signing during a photo shoot, but at least we get a glimpse into Kirilenko’s thought process with this brief interview for Moscow, Russia-based PROSport magazine. “The team will not be chosen by how big the offer is, but by a number of factors – the coach, roster, the city to a lesser degree, “ Kirilenko said regarding his NBA future. While the New Jersey Nets have not yet reached an agreement with Kirilenko, they are believed to be nearing a deal with the 6-foot-9 small forward and Russian superstar who seeks a three-year contract worth $9 million for each year. Both sides are anxious to finalize the deal in the coming days according to sources close to the Nets and Kirilenko. Playing for the Nets would represent more than an end to Kirilenko’s open market flurry that reportedly had 16 NBA teams courting him – with the Sacramento Kings also making a major push - but also a basketball reunion with strong ties to Russ...