A couple of weeks ago, the Sixers completed a trade with the Nets, sending Brandon Davies to Brooklyn in exchange for veteran forward Andrei Kirilenko and other pieces. While it was widely expected for the Sixers to waive Kirilenko, it seems like they hope for him to suit up for the team so they can eventually trade him for assets at the trade deadline.
Before being traded, Kirilenko took a personal leave of absence from the Nets to tend to his pregnant wife, who was undergoing some rough medical issues. Sixers coach Brett Brown mentioned he had a conversation with the 33-year-old forward when the trade went through.
"I had a great conversation with him in Brooklyn when we first made the deal and I was trying to explore what his priorities are," Sixers head coach Brett Brown said before Tuesday’s game against the Miami Heat. "We have to walk a fine line and show him respect and appreciate his family situation. [CSNPhilly.com]
So far this season, Kirilenko has played in just seven games for the Nets, totalling 36 minutes. The Sixers strategy is simple. Bring in young players in hopes of finding some that stick. They have 11 this year that went undrafted, which helps keep their salary cap at an NBA low. The situation is obviously different when it comes to Kirilenko, who may become a tradeable asset if he does agree to play for the Sixers.
"Discussions are being had at many levels," Brown said. "It is fluid and moving. There is that element of respecting his situation and trying to figure other things out makes it a little complicated, but the conversation is healthy, real and moving." [CSNPhilly.com]
The Sixers won their second straight game last night, battling back from down 23 against the Heat. They've now won four of their last six games on the road but have yet to tally a 'W' at the Wells Fargo Center. They continue their season long road trip on Friday night in Portland against the Trail Blazers.
Brandon Apter is a contributor to Sixerdelphia.com
