The Brooklyn Nets have finally trade Andrei Kirlenko after a few weeks of speculation on where he was going to land in the trade market. The Nets have sent Kirenko and will likely add Jorge Gutierrez in the deal to the Phiadelphia 76ers in-exchange for Brandon Davies and a 2018 2nd round pick. The Nets also sent their 2020 first round pick to Philly in the deal.
Kirlenko struggled to find his role on the Nets under new head coach Lionel Hollins as he only played a toal of 36 minutes this year for the Nets, not even record a basket. Kirlenko spoke about Hollins earlier when his playing time was taking a negative tole:
“I was satisfied with Brooklyn. I liked the system of the club, which is strongly reminiscent of the one that I played in Utah. I liked Lionel Hollins. Yes, this is no joke! He is a very competent expert who is coaching well, but
“After the first few games of the season Hollins himself came up and said, “Andrei, I do not see your role on the team.” I respect him for his honesty and candor. I think in this situation it’s silly to demand something as a way to put pressure on the coach.
“In fact, my time was beginning to shrink with every next match in the course of the preseason. But then, I did not attach much importance to it. And in the first 3 – 4 games of the regular season, I did not truly understand what was happening
The Philadelphia 76ers will waive Kirlenko once the deal is official tomorrow. Teams that need small forward help like the Cleveland Cavaliers could be interested in AK, but it could be awhile before Kirlenko is able to strike a deal.
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