AK-47 signs with Nets

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

On twitter. On my phone I can't post the link.

[benefactor]

No legit reports yet. All speculation.

[LakerHater]

DONT jump the gun yet!
...besides, theres already an AK Thread!

[LarryDavid]

3.1 million deal.

[cjw]

Plus how much money under the table through an illegitimate business in Brighton Beach?

[LarryDavid]

Plus how much money under the table through an illegitimate business in Brighton Beach?

He gave Prokhorov the Russian discount

[ducks]

lol said nets would not make a move to him

[SpurPadre]

http://espn.go.com/new-york/nba/story/_/id/9471264/brooklyn-nets-agree-terms-andrei-kirilenko-source-says

There, now we can focus our attention on how our summer league players develop, if any one of them sticks out, and look forward to the trade deadline next February.

[HI-FI]

:lmao
$7 million for Manu

[benefactor]

BSPN doesn't count either.

[N0 LyF3 ScRuB]

3.1m lol wow. Fuck the Spurs lol

[HemisfairArena]

If true...the Nets have had an outstanding off-season. I really think they can challenge anyone in the East now.

[timvp]

:rolleyes

In an unrelated story, AK47's parents are going to coincidentally have a briefcase with $10 million in it show up on their doorstep.

[SanDiegoSpursFan]

NBA TV just reported it.

[timvp]

I would say it was dumb for AK47 to opt out of $10 million to sign for the Nets for $3 million .......... but there's no way he's not getting some backdoor Russian money so it was a good move on his part. Hopefully the NBA somehow finds out about it -- but I'm not holding by breath.

[spurraider21]

crofl. 3 million. we literally chose bonner over him :lol

[HemisfairArena]

I would say it was dumb for AK47 to opt out of $10 million to sign for the Nets for $3 million .......... but there's no way he's not getting some backdoor Russian money so it was a good move on his part. Hopefully the NBA somehow finds out about it -- but I'm not holding by breath.


Alot of endorsement money in New York....not so much in Minnesota or San Antonio.

[Duncan2177]

crofl. 3 million. we literally chose bonner over him :lol

If that's the case the FO is dumb.

[TXstbobcat]

The NBA knows better Thant to mess with the Russian mafia.

[jimo2305]

wow.. what a steal.. spurs couldn't afford that?

[benefactor]

I would say it was dumb for AK47 to opt out of $10 million to sign for the Nets for $3 million .......... but there's no way he's not getting some backdoor Russian money so it was a good move on his part. Hopefully the NBA somehow finds out about it -- but I'm not holding by breath.
Yeah...it's pretty fucking easy for them to move the money around overseas out of the league's reach.

[hommeaetage]

I would say it was dumb for AK47 to opt out of $10 million to sign for the Nets for $3 million .......... but there's no way he's not getting some backdoor Russian money so it was a good move on his part. Hopefully the NBA somehow finds out about it -- but I'm not holding by breath.

I'm 90% sure there's a deal under the table. The problem is, the NBA has about 5% chance of finding this out with those Russians. Oh well...

[Chinook]

I could see the Nets owner falling out of favor with the league quickly for pulling this type of stunt, though. This just seems too blatant.

[ffadicted]

LOL hmmmmmmmm

[spurQ]

On twitter. On my phone I can't post the link.

ESPN mobile reported it on my phone.. link is coming.

[HarlemHeat37]

Alot of endorsement money in New York....not so much in Minnesota or San Antonio.

:lol Kirilenko isn't getting endorsements, obviously..

Like timvp said, this has under the table cash written all over it, tbh..

[Mouth is Bleeding]

LOL at 3.1 after opting out of 10 mill

And it's a ONE YEAR DEAL...... so much for multiple years

[spurraider21]

truly the Nyets

[ducks]

what does spurs cap space look at next year.....

[T Park]

Doesn't pass the smell test .

[HemisfairArena]

:lol Kirilenko isn't getting endorsements, obviously..

Like timvp said, this has under the table cash written all over it, tbh..


You guys crack me up. Kirilenko is Russian...Prochorov..the Nets owner is Russian. He owns vast amounts of business in Russia. All he has to do is have Kirilenko as a spokeman for his companies and Kirilenko makes up all his money. That will be the loophole Prochrov probably has. You think Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett or DWill know Russian or the Russian people would relate to them? Nope. Kirilenko is gonna make bank advertising money over there because of Procrohov. New York will just be the tip of the iceberg.

[Libri]

Imagine what the Spurs FO could do if the owner was a Russian oligarch.

[Chomag]

At least it's over but yea, no way that was a clean legit deal.

[cjw]

Alot of endorsement money in New York....not so much in Minnesota or San Antonio.

As someone who pays taxes in the city, there's also a lot more of that here than in Texas. I don't think endorsements will be that much bigger here than elsewhere - he's not very marketable in America and already is one of the top Russian players.

[apalisoc_9]

Time to move on then...

:depressed

[HemisfairArena]

As someone who pays taxes in the city, there's also a lot more of that here than in Texas. I don't think endorsements will be that much bigger here than elsewhere - he's not very marketable in America and already is one of the top Russian players.

I made another post also saying he will make bank in endorsement money in Russia because of Prochorov

[Spurfect21]

Nets-Russian owner.
Paid him on the side...in Russian currency so it couldn't be traced.
Opted out of ten million lmao

[ChumpDumper]

Doesn't have to be on the side tbh.

[Vic Petro]

Player option in year 2

355461170804695041

[cjw]

I made another post also saying he will make bank in endorsement money in Russia because of Prochorov

Yeah, endorsements are because of ownership and not because of the NY market. If there were a great Indian basketball player (or even a half decent one), he'd be signing in Sacramento.

[spurraider21]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaG5SAw1n0c

[ace3g]

Jared Zwerling @JaredZwerling
(http://twitter.com/JaredZwerling)Mikhail Prokhorov was formerly Andrei Kirilenko's employer when the Russian forward played for CSKA Moscow from 1998 to 2001.

[HemisfairArena]

Yeah, endorsements are because of ownership and not because of the NY market. If there were a great Indian basketball player (or even a half decent one), he'd be signing in Sacramento.

Prochorov owns huge business in Russia. All he has to do is sign Kirilenko for 10 mil/yr to do asvertisement for it and I dont know if the NBA can do anything about it.

[benefactor]

Jared Zwerling @JaredZwerling
(http://twitter.com/JaredZwerling)Mikhail Prokhorov was formerly Andrei Kirilenko's employer when the Russian forward played for CSKA Moscow from 1998 to 2001.



And there it is.

[ace3g]

Sucks because Baynes, AK47, Sanikidze, and Bertans all share the same agency.

http://www.draftexpress.com/agents/agency/Entersport-21/

[timvp]

Jared Zwerling @JaredZwerling
(http://twitter.com/JaredZwerling)Mikhail Prokhorov was formerly Andrei Kirilenko's employer when the Russian forward played for CSKA Moscow from 1998 to 2001.




He won't even need to ask him for his ABA or routing number, tbh.

[HarlemHeat37]

Prochorov owns huge business in Russia. All he has to do is sign Kirilenko for 10 mil/yr to do asvertisement for it and I dont know if the NBA can do anything about it.

If that's what you meant, then I obviously agree, but that's what I meant by "under the table", tbh..

Prokhorov can easily mask his intentions by offering endorsements or whatever else, like you said, but it's not as black and white as just choosing the Nets over other teams without serious compensation outside of the conventional channels:lol..

[ChumpDumper]

If that's what you meant, then I obviously agree, but that's what I meant by "under the table", tbh..

Prokhorov can easily mask his intentions by offering endorsements or whatever else, like you said, but it's not as black and white as just choosing the Nets over other teams without serious compensation outside of the conventional channels:lol..Endorsements are pretty conventional channels.

[timvp]

It's pretty easy to circumvent the salary cap if you have the right connections.

For example, the reason that Scola was ever able to come to the NBA was because Yao hooked him up with a shoe deal that paid Scola enough to complete his buyout with Tao.

[HemisfairArena]

Jared Zwerling @JaredZwerling
(http://twitter.com/JaredZwerling)Mikhail Prokhorov was formerly Andrei Kirilenko's employer when the Russian forward played for CSKA Moscow from 1998 to 2001.





Exactly what I have been saying. Both guys are Russian. Prokhorov owns big business over there and all he has to do is promise Kirilenko advertisement dollars promoting some of his businesses in Russia and it will make up the difference from the salary part and done. Hell David Robinson got ownership stake in Red McCombs dealerships when McCombs was the Spurs owner. You telling me that wasnt under the table? Same will happen here.

[Libri]

It's pretty easy to circumvent the salary cap if you have the right connections.

For example, the reason that Scola was ever able to come to the NBA was because Yao hooked him up with a shoe deal that paid Scola enough to complete his buyout with Tao.

Did not know that.

[HI-FI]

looks like Prokhorov is willing to take the shady, under the table stuff to the next level. wonder how other owners will react to this....if at all.

this deal sends off serious red flags but not sure what can be done.

it does, however, make me not quite as pissed about the Manu deal. there was nothing we could do to out bid a Russian oligarch.

[tuncaboylu]

Krilenko opted out 10M contract from Wolves.
He stated that he wants a long term contract.
Spurs were trying to sign&trade for him about a contract like 24M for 3 years(at least).
Wolves didn't accept it.
He joined to Nets for 1 years 3.17M contract.

Seems like we've cheated.

[spurraider21]

(╯°□°)╯︵ ┻━┻

[SenorSpur]

Frankly, I'm a bit surprised it took him this long to sign with the Nets. Because of the Prokorov connection, I fully expected him to have chosen the Nets over the T-Pups a couple of years ago.

[Pound the rock]

Why does everyone shun us?

[UZER]

Always talked about underhanded deals between owners. This opens up a whole 'nother can of worms.

Who to say he didnt pay Minny under the table either.

[Libri]

If Prokhorov one day becomes president of Russia, it wouldn't be surprising if AK47 receives some high government position.

[benefactor]

Why does everyone shun us?
It's not really about that this time.

[hommeaetage]

I'm not even mad about it, tbh. That's the way it is, if Prokhorov can find a loophole to exploit something then more power to him. I just wish somehow the Spurs can one day have some of that Arab money that has been circulating in the soccer world

[SA210]

Doesn't pass the smell test .

Ur hungry aren't you

[Big P]

Frankly, I'm a bit surprised it took him this long to sign with the Nets. Because of the Prokorov connection, I fully expected him to have chosen the Nets over the T-Pups a couple of years ago.

He needed to wait it out a bit and make it look like he was interested in other teams....it would have been too obvious if he signed the second after midnight.

[SA210]

Oh, and :lol Bonner

[TheyCallMePro]

So he opted out of 10 million next year to instead make 3.1 million. Brilliant!

Folks, this is why Russia lost the Cold War. In the end, they thought they were more powerful than they actually were. And once that power was threatened, the dominoes started falling and their Union was broken apart. AK47 tested free agency, couldn't find a big deal, and now will settle for 1/3 of what he was making. Typical Rusian. Now if he was French he would have just surrendered after opting out of 10 million and gone and hid in a swamp for 4 years till the Americans came.

[MannyIsGod]

Tb1GGlmU9xw

[024]

I really hope he is getting loads of under the table cash. That would make me feel better and stop me from hating Bonner and Manu's contract even more.

[benefactor]

355470171902717954

You don't say? :lol

[MannyIsGod]

So he opted out of 10 million next year to instead make 3.1 million. Brilliant!

Folks, this is why Russia lost the Cold War. In the end, they thought they were more powerful than they actually were. And once that power was threatened, the dominoes started falling and their Union was broken apart. AK47 tested free agency, couldn't find a big deal, and now will settle for 1/3 of what he was making. Typical Rusian. Now if he was French he would have just surrendered after opting out of 10 million and gone and hid in a swamp for 4 years till the Americans came.

:lmao

GNSF is going to be dropping the goods non stop now.

[MannyIsGod]

LOL Stern probably just got a hard on as he now gets to try to bust NJ.

[ducks]

the league has to approve the deal right?

[benefactor]

the league has to approve the deal right?
Nope. They have no grounds to tell which player which team they can't sign with. They'd get into a world of shit with the players union if that happened.

[xmas1997]

LOL Stern probably just got a hard on as he now gets to try to bust NJ.

He would have to hire James Bond.

[DieHardSpursFan1537]

What a shame. He would've been a fine addition to the team.

[Big P]

Stern is retired isn't he?

[HemisfairArena]

Stern is retired isn't he?


Yes.

[Kingsly Alexander]

In soccer and tennis, a lot of players from eastern europe move into politics or other nice cush positions in the companies that these billionaire moguls operate.

Wether it's cash or anything else, the guy is set for life im sure and there's no way the spurs could've competed with this.

[admiralsnackbar]

You guys crack me up. Kirilenko is Russian...Prochorov..the Nets owner is Russian. He owns vast amounts of business in Russia. All he has to do is have Kirilenko as a spokeman for his companies and Kirilenko makes up all his money. That will be the loophole Prochrov probably has. You think Paul Pierce or Kevin Garnett or DWill know Russian or the Russian people would relate to them? Nope. Kirilenko is gonna make bank advertising money over there because of Procrohov. New York will just be the tip of the iceberg.

And Prochorov also has the advantage of effectively giving the Nets an instant fanbase with the scores of Russian immigrants living in Brighton Beach and Brooklyn -- even if he weren't the richest owner in the NBA, this makes great business sense for the Nets AND Kirilenko, who will, indeed, make tons of endorsement money stateside and abroad.

[Solid D]

Plenty of couch cushion money to be found at the Kirenko household.

[HemisfairArena]

And Prochorov also has the advantage of effectively giving the Nets an instant fanbase with the scores of Russian immigrants living in Brighton Beach and Brooklyn -- even if he weren't the richest owner in the NBA, this makes great business sense for the Nets AND Kirilenko, who will, indeed, make tons of endorsement money stateside and abroad.



Bingo. Great post.

[MannyIsGod]

Stern is retired isn't he?


Yes.

Nope. Not till February of next year.

[cjw]

Peter Holt can offer up... spots in local CAT dealership commercials?

You know what though? It's a lot more fun to see the well funded teams (see: Cuban) choke. Cheering against the Nets will be like cheering against the Soviets in the Olympics.

Though I may go and split season tickets there with some friends and sell 38 of the games, go to four for free. That arena will be rocking, whereas the Knicks are going to be markedly worse.

[spurs10]

:rolleyes

In an unrelated story, AK47's parents are going to coincidentally have a briefcase with $10 million in it show up on their doorstep. Or they will be released and allowed to return home. Kirilenko doesn't care about money or winning...??
:rolleyes

[r0drig0lac]

Bingo. Great post.
good post, but the reality is so pure and simple: the money in russia

[spurraider21]

You guys crack me up. Kirilenko is Russian...Prochorov..the Nets owner is Russian.

do you think LeBron will take MLE for the Spurs because Holt is American, tbh?

[Clipper Nation]

Stern is retired isn't he?

He'll never retire, it's just that Silver will be reading off Stern's scripts from now on :lol

[TheGoldStandard]

Can't be mad at AK47, he looked for a deal and nobody bit. If the Spurs really wanted him they would have made it happen at sacrificing Bonner through amnesty and dumping players.. They decided they wanted to stand pat with what they have despite the questionable contracts.

[Captivus]

http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumblarge_125/1172393166WBK6l2.jpg

[iManu]

$3-Million, are you fucking kidding me? Jesus Christ.

[ffadicted]

TBQH I'm lol'ing hard at everyone who thinks is some sort of smart "get more russian fans so we can earn a little more money ^-^". Obvious dirty money is so obvious

[CGD]

Gotta be some side dealings there.

[ducks]

Yes.

not yet
he has to work 30 years to the day

[Big Empty]

so how much money is Brooklyn paying trying to win a championship?

[admiralsnackbar]

TBQH I'm lol'ing hard at everyone who thinks is some sort of smart "get more russian fans so we can earn a little more money ^-^". Obvious dirty money is so obvious

The positions weren't meant to be mutually exclusive, but ok. I'm saving my hard lols for the Bucks and Mavs. :lol

[mosdef17]

PG: Williams/Livingston
SG: Johnson/Jason Terry
SF: Pierce/Kirilenko
PF: Garnett/Blatche/Teletovic
C: Lopez/Evans/Plumlee

On paper.. wow.

[TheGoldStandard]

PG: Williams/Livingston
SG: Johnson/Jason Terry
SF: Pierce/Kirilenko
PF: Garnett/Blatche/Teletovic
C: Lopez/Evans/Plumlee

On paper.. wow.
They're top 3 for sure.. they have the pieces to actually give Miami fits.

[cd021]

They're top 3 for sure.. they have the pieces to actually give Miami fits.

More power to them, Fuck Miami.

[spursnatic]

I knew everyone on here would say he is getting money on he side..Not exactly true?..You gotta look at one thing before you start assuming..Kirilenko has made over 100 Million in his career..Not only that he is no American Player..So I don't see him as being a kind of guy who goes around flashing shit, buying all kinds of B.S. for friends etc..Usually guys like this who come from nothing are not like the other 70% of NBA Players who become broke after 5-10yrs of being retired

[spursnatic]

so how much money is Brooklyn paying trying to win a championship?I read like 168 Million?..Could have been 186?..Outlandish amount regardless

[Rogue]

it was an easy decision for AK imho, almost a no-brainer like Rin choosing to join Houston last year. It feels great to play on a team that's owned by your homecountry like you're the last one on your squad that people would ever want to mess with, it's kinda like working in a company where your parent is the boss imho.

[TheGoldStandard]

Pokhorov could have set him up after retirement, give him a cushy job and collect 6 figures.

[Vic Petro]

Surprised you guys are so high on Jersey. Getting all those new lineups to mesh with a rookie coach and a new system is asking a lot imo. I see a 4 seed at best and a 2nd round exit. Miami, Indy, Chicago all better.

[TheGoldStandard]

Surprised you guys are so high on Jersey. Getting all those new lineups to mesh with a rookie coach and a new system is asking a lot imo. I see a 4 seed at best and a 2nd round exit. Miami, Indy, Chicago all better.
If Garnett and Pierce are even remotely healthy they'll scare that team into doing what they want them to. They're a 3rd seed but might get a 2nd seed. This has nothing to do with Kidd, its just another name.

[Russ]

Surprised you guys are so high on Jersey. Getting all those new lineups to mesh with a rookie coach and a new system is asking a lot imo. I see a 4 seed at best and a 2nd round exit. Miami, Indy, Chicago all better.

I don't see Jason Kidd as a particularly astute coach (or a particularly astute anything).

[Vic Petro]

If Garnett and Pierce are even remotely healthy they'll scare that team into doing what they want them to. They're a 3rd seed but might get a 2nd seed. This has nothing to do with Kidd, its just another name.

Are Deron Williams and Brooke Lopez going to be cool with Garnett and Pierce taking over the locker room? They have all that alpha dog stuff to work out which will also take time. I'm not saying they'll be bad, but assuming Rose is healthy I don't think they're better than the three teams I mentioned.

[TheGoldStandard]

Are Deron Williams and Brooke Lopez going to be cool with Garnett and Pierce taking over the locker room? They have all that alpha dog stuff to work out which will also take time. I'm not saying they'll be bad, but assuming Rose is healthy I don't think they're better than the three teams I mentioned.
The only person who should be afraid is Jason Kidd from getting fired.. Deron Williams is not a bigger banana than old Pierce and Garnett. They took on huge salaries for them, they'll come in and flash there 1 ring and tell them to shut it.. Won't know what Chicago is like or how Rose will play until we see it, who knows if he'll be the same.

[Rogue]

the nets are the basketball version of Manchester City imho. they have abundant money to spend and have actually assembled a squad of top-class talents, but a terrible coach (like Mancini) will navigate the luxurious cuise ship to Bermuda time and time again. Sugar daddy will buy you any player you want (except the top dogs like Messi and Lebron) but money won't buy you the championships imho.

[admiralsnackbar]

the nets are the basketball version of Manchester City imho. they have abundant money to spend and have actually assembled a squad of top-class talents, but a terrible coach (like Mancini) will navigate the luxurious cuise ship to Bermuda time and time again. Sugar daddy will buy you any player you want (except the top dogs like Messi and Lebron) but money won't buy you the championships imho.
Except the same could be said for the winning franchises in football as well, wouldn't you say?

[timmy2003]

3.1 million deal.
WTF? He opted out a 10 m deal and sign for a 3 m contract.

[Rogue]

Kidd is a rookie coach but still head and shoulders above Spoelstra imho. He was the coach-on-court during our 11' campaign and I don't have no doubt that he will adapt to the new role smoothly. KG and Pierce will bring leadership to this team, and will be doing their best to make the last push for another championship ring. The nets will certainly do better next season than they did last season with Deron being the team's leader. They will be up there as a contender like Manchester city in the premier league, but the team in red (Manchester United and Miami) will still be the favorite to win it all. City's 2012' title was a fluke tbh.

[DesignatedT]

:smchode:

[Budkin]

Such fucking bullshit. 3 million??

[RD2191]

:lmao Nets are still garbage. Spurs will run a train on them fags when the time comes. Fuck Garnett and AK.

[lefty]

Come playoff time, AK47 turns into a huge pussy

We are not missing out on him

[xmas1997]

As much as I wanted him here, now I am glad he's not. Everything always works out for the best. It may not seem like while in the midst of the change, but it always works out in the end!

[senorglory]

Peter Holt can offer up... spots in local CAT dealership commercials?

Don't forget HEB and Taco Cabana spots.

[Mnky]

Don't forget HEB and Taco Cabana spots.

Man I want some Taco Cabana... Can't stand North East Texas lack of good fatty spots.

[doldrums]

Surprised you guys are so high on Jersey. Getting all those new lineups to mesh with a rookie coach and a new system is asking a lot imo. I see a 4 seed at best and a 2nd round exit. Miami, Indy, Chicago all better.

Jersey??, what decade are you living in?

[Girasuck]

I knew everyone on here would say he is getting money on he side..Not exactly true?..You gotta look at one thing before you start assuming..Kirilenko has made over 100 Million in his career..Not only that he is no American Player..So I don't see him as being a kind of guy who goes around flashing shit, buying all kinds of B.S. for friends etc..Usually guys like this who come from nothing are not like the other 70% of NBA Players who become broke after 5-10yrs of being retired

Kirilenko was always known for being the cheapest player on the Jazz year after year. Dude hardly spent money, plus his wife is rich as well. She's basically the Brittney Spears of Russia.

[BatManu20]

Sneaky f*ckin Russians...

[Sean Cagney]

Sneaky f*ckin Russians...
Yes they are and always will be!!!!!!!!!!!!

[spurnash]

Sneaky f*ckin Russians...

Snatch.....Nice reference, well done

[spursince#99]

Now what?

[Sean Cagney]

Now what?

Probably Neal coming back and a bunch of nothing, offeason over now! For better or for worse!

[Raven]

belinelli already did his damage.

[Technique]

Can't wait to chill with my Russian nigga on Brighton Beach

[benefactor]

belinelli already did his damage.
Didn't have much to do with it, tbh.

[Raven]

Didn't have much to do with it, tbh.

i know, i'm not stupid :lol . I'm just bitter.

[benefactor]

:lol...well I guess that's ok. Here's to Beli making you a believer. He will need to for the Spurs to have another shot. :toast

[Raven]

:lol...well I guess that's ok. Here's to Beli making you a believer. He will need to for the Spurs to have another shot. :toast

i really don't understand the signing tbh, he's gary neal with less clutch shooting and inability to take the ball to the other court.. yes i know he made a shot against the nets :lol

[objective]

:lol at the crying over under-the-table suspicions.

Guess what . . .

That 3.1 million is more than the Spurs could offer him.

He actually took the highest offer from a contender . . . he kept to what he said in interviews.

The Spurs refusing to make cap room due to Bonner and Manu's contract, and Belinelli from the MLE made sure that the Spurs couldn't even match the 3.1. Pendergraph makes it worse.

Maybe, just maybe, this wasn't the result of how the mean rich foreigner paying AK on the side making sure the poor little Spurs had no chance . . . but was in fact the Spurs doing a Jackie Butler on themselves and screwing up.

[bluebellmaniac]

I'm not sure how many people keep up with world politics around here, but I never liked the idea of a Russian billionaire buying into an NBA team. It's about as rational as having a casino owner buy a team. Actually, that would be far more rational. Billionaires in Russia who don't support the regime get thrown in jail and have their empires handed to cronies of the regime. Journalists critical of the government have a high suicide rate by ejection from high rise windows. For AK's sake I hope he did go because of endorsement money... this smells way to much of 'an offer he can't refuse'...

AK's phone: ring ring
AK: Hello

Prochorov: AK! It's Pro! I never hear from you anymore! Listen, we have a deal we think you'd like. We have a sign and trade with Minny for 4 yrs at $8M per. How does that sound?

AK: Actually I really want to spend my last couple years with a contender. I pretty much have a done deal set up with SA.

Prochorov: That's too bad. We'll be in touch.

AK's phone: ring ring
AK: Hello

Prochorov: AK, good to hear your voice again. Listen I have a new offer, we'll offer you $3M for 2 yrs, the mMLE.

AK: What are you crazy?

Prochorov: Hang on.

AK's Mom: Hi son! Mr Prochorov is such a nice man. Although I did tell him I don't like heights he's insisted we go sky diving... oh wait, he wants to speak with you.

Prochorov: AK....

AK: I'll take the $3M...

[benefactor]

:lol at the crying over under-the-table suspicions.

Guess what . . .

That 3.1 million is more than the Spurs could offer him.

He actually took the highest offer from a contender . . . he kept to what he said in interviews.

The Spurs refusing to make cap room due to Bonner and Manu's contract, and Belinelli from the MLE made sure that the Spurs couldn't even match the 3.1. Pendergraph makes it worse.

Maybe, just maybe, this wasn't the result of how the mean rich foreigner paying AK on the side making sure the poor little Spurs had no chance . . . but was in fact the Spurs doing a Jackie Butler on themselves and screwing up.
Not true. First reports of the Spurs being interested in Kirilenko came out July 1st and Beli didn't get signed until the 4th. The Spurs could have...and most certainly would have...used the full MLE to get him. He simply wanted more money than that which is why a S&T was being attempted...which didn't work because Saunders refused to accomidate the Spurs or AK-47.

You are just being intentionally stupid if you think there is not more to this than meets the eye. He's playing for the same owner he played for in Russia...who just happens to have money falling out of his ass. The Nets are good now and he has a former teammate there in Williams so it's easy for him to say he simply took less to play for a good team that has some familiarity. Make no mistake though, he's getting paid a hell of a lot more than 3 million.

[Bruno]

Kirilenko would have been so great because he was able to give quality minutes both at the SF and PF spots.

While having only one SF is an issue, I'm actually more concerned by Spurs situation at PF. Spurs have only 3 quality bigmen with Duncan, Splitter and Diaw. That's not enough and I don't like Bonner, Baynes or Pendergraph as rotation players for a contender.

If Spurs are looking at trade opportunities, they should look more at PFs than SFs. Ginobili can play the backup SF minutes and Spurs can sign a player in the Gelabale mod at the min salary for depth purposes.

[dunkman]

Not a big deal, Bonner is still here.

[K-State Spur]

While having only one SF is an issue, I'm actually more concerned by Spurs situation at PF. Spurs have only 3 quality bigmen with Duncan, Splitter and Diaw. That's not enough and I don't like Bonner, Baynes or Pendergraph as rotation players for a contender.

I would like to see Baynes or Pendergraph emerge, but what contenders have more than 3 quality bigs?

[coyotes_geek]

And Prochorov also has the advantage of effectively giving the Nets an instant fanbase with the scores of Russian immigrants living in Brighton Beach and Brooklyn -- even if he weren't the richest owner in the NBA, this makes great business sense for the Nets AND Kirilenko, who will, indeed, make tons of endorsement money stateside and abroad.

Why AK would choose Brooklyn/Prochorov endoresment deals over coming to SA and getting to do Ancira commercials where he and Tiago get to mumble to each other in broken english is beyond me.

[Bruno]

I would like to see Baynes or Pendergraph emerge, but what contenders have more than 3 quality bigs?

Few and 3 quality bigs is enough if they are able to play heavy minutes. Duncan is aging and Diaw isn't that good so Spurs kinda need another quality bigman .

[cd98]

Kirilenko would have been so great because he was able to give quality minutes both at the SF and PF spots.

While having only one SF is an issue, I'm actually more concerned by Spurs situation at PF. Spurs have only 3 quality bigmen with Duncan, Splitter and Diaw. That's not enough and I don't like Bonner, Baynes or Pendergraph as rotation players for a contender.

If Spurs are looking at trade opportunities, they should look more at PFs than SFs. Ginobili can play the backup SF minutes and Spurs can sign a player in the Gelabale mod at the min salary for depth purposes.

I think the Spurs think Pendergraph is a rotation player. I think they give him a shot before they try to acquire any other bigs. I remember when Pendergraph was a rookie and he was pretty good when he played the Spurs. Hopefully he is as good as Buford is trying to convince us he is.

[BatManu20]

Snatch.....Nice reference, well done
:toast

[objective]

Not true. First reports of the Spurs being interested in Kirilenko came out July 1st and Beli didn't get signed until the 4th. The Spurs could have...and most certainly would have...used the full MLE to get him. He simply wanted more money than that which is why a S&T was being attempted...which didn't work because Saunders refused to accomidate the Spurs or AK-47.

You are just being intentionally stupid if you think there is not more to this than meets the eye. He's playing for the same owner he played for in Russia...who just happens to have money falling out of his ass. The Nets are good now and he has a former teammate there in Williams so it's easy for him to say he simply took less to play for a good team that has some familiarity. Make no mistake though, he's getting paid a hell of a lot more than 3 million.

Not true? :lol

He opted out expecting a multi-year deal with the Wolves. They told him to get lost. He and his agent had talks with the Spurs that got far enough that the Wolves were asked to do the sign and trade, because the money and years had already been made palatable for the Spurs and AK. The Wolves told him to get lost.

Then after the Wolves renounce him, he takes the highest offer from a contender.

PERIOD.

If the Spurs had wanted to make him a capspace offer similar to what they had already been willing to pay in trade, they would have cleared space. But they didn't.

If anything, the timeline went like this: July 1, AK wants double digits per year and multi-years from any team. Wolves laugh at him. Spurs decide he's not worth 10+ a year, decide they don't want to buyout/amnesty Bonner and like paying Manu sacrifice money, so they lock-up Belinelli after worrying over Neal. After it's clear that he's not getting 10+, AK lowers his asking price to the high single digits. Spurs realize they had a chance after all, but committing to Beli and Pendergraph screwed their pooch, while they're too cheap to amnesty Bonner. They and AK agree to the framework of a deal around 8 per year and try to get the Wolves to take back salary.

The Wolves tell everyone to get lost.

Then the Spurs are stuck, can't offer shit, and every other contender has used their MLE. AK is left with taking a taxpayer MLE.

Forgetting Pendergraph:

After Belinelli, the Spurs only had 2.4 million left in the MLE.

Using maths, tell me which is higher: 3.1 or 2.4?

[benefactor]

Proving your case by making up a bunch of shit in order to get your desired point across...man you sure showed me.

[Sean Cagney]

Not a big deal, Bonner is still here.

YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! :(