Minnesota Timberwolves intensify their efforts to land Russian forward Andrei Kirilenko – NBA Report
The Minnesota Timberwolves are said to be nearing an agreement with veteran Russian forward Andrei Kirilenko for a two year contract worth $20 million.
Yahoo! Sports has reported that the two parties are close to a deal, although other reports have said that the Brooklyn Nets and the Golden State Warriors are also in talks with Kirilenko for a contract. Deron Williams, the star
point guard of the Nets, played with Kirilenko when both were members of the Utah Jazz, and is said to be leading the Nets efforts to recruiting Kirilenko for next season.
Kirilenko, a 6 foot 9 forward, is a 10 year veteran in the NBA, who played for the Utah Jazz from 2001 to 2011. Last season, he returned to his home country Russia, where he played for CSKA Moscow and went on to become the Euroleague
MVP.
Commonly known as Ak-47, the versatile forward still has a number of offers from Russian clubs including CSKA, but is looking to make a return to the NBA. The dynamic Russian averages 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists over
his career in the NBA.
Minnesota General Manager David Kahn did not comment on the reports that the Wolves were in negotiations, saying that he is “not allowed to comment on anything that hasn't been consummated." The Timberwolves however, did announce
the signing of another Russian player, 23 year old Alexey Shved.
Shved has played in Russia for the past 6 seasons, and has also represented Russia on the international stage. He received much attention when he scored a game high 22 points and 6 assists as his Russian side defeated Nigeria to
qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.
Shved is a shooting guard, but can play both the 1 and 2 positions efficiently in the team. He joins the Wolves as their star point guard Ricky Rubio recovers from a torn ACL ligament in his left knee. In Rubio’s absence, the Wolves
have Luke Ridnour and J.J Barea to cover up the point guard position, while Malcolm Lee will join Shved to play shooting guard.
Tags: