Andrei Kirilenko coming to Minnesota appears to be more and more likely.
We told you yesterday the Timberwolves may have moved to the front of the line because they can offer a lot of money and the Brooklyn Nets could only offer the veteran minimum ($1.2 million).
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports and the NBC Sports Network has the update.Minnesota is finalizing a two-year, $20 million contract with free agent forward Andrei Kirilenko, league sources tell Y! Sports.
Kirilenko’s deal with the Wolves is expected to include a player option for the 2013-'14 season, sources said.
Minnesota is close to a three-team trade — one that has details still in flux (like is Brad Miller included) — that would clear the cap space needed to sign Kirilenko.
But they are not alone in the chase, reportedly Denver is interested, according to a Russian sports site (via IamaGM.com). Still, Minny is in the driver’s seat.
Kirilenko played last season for CSKA Moscow but said he wants to return to the NBA. Of course, he wants to get paid to do it, too (Moscow would pay him more than the NBA minimum to return).
AK-47 in Minnesota would be interesting. While they already have pretty good guy in Kevin Love at the four. However, in Rick Adelman’s corner offense versatility is prized and Kirilenko provides that. He can hit the outside shot, play inside and he will block shots and cover defensively for other bigs who many not be consistent on that end (we’re looking at you, Love).