Andrei Kirilenko's agent, Marc Fleisher, told Sports Illustrated's Zach Lowe that the small forward is receiving heavy interest from the New Jersey Nets, but Fleisher said the two sides have not yet begun discussing contract figures.
The international basketball website Sportando reports that it is only a matter of time before Kirilenko leaves CSKA Moscow, where he signed to play during the NBA lockout, for the Nets. Fleisher cautioned, however, that nothing with New Jersey is done and the two sides have no deal in place. Kirilenko reportedly has until Jan. 9 to exercise the opt-out on his Russian contract.
If he decided to sign in New Jersey, Kirilenko would rejoin Deron Williams and give New Jersey another lengthy, versatile wing to team with recent acquisition Shawne Williams. The 30-year-old Kirilenko's production has slowed since he reached his prime during the mid-2000s, but he still displays skills and athleticism that can impact a game on both ends of the floor.
Kirilenko averaged 11.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 blocks per game a season ago for Utah.
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