No Trade Request <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Jun 6 - As unhappy as Andrei Kirilenko seemed to be with his position on the Utah Jazz in an April interview with a Russian Web site, he has apparently not asked to be traded. Not that it would be easy to trade a max-money contract like his that calls for him to make more than $63 million over the final four years ending with the 2010-2011 season, but when contacted this week, Kirilenko's agent, Marc Fleisher, said his client had not asked him to think about requesting a trade. Jazz senior vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor, just back from last weekend's NBA pre-draft camp in Orlando, Fla., said also that no such request had been made by Kirilenko or his representatives. -- Deseret Morning News </div> <div align="center"></div> Looks like the Russian is staying...for now.
That is good news. It's well documented that Kirilenko has offensive inconsistencies, but that's not a big deal with Williams, Boozer, Okur and Giricek around. He'll get 10 points someway, but it's his defensive versatility that's precious. The man is a monster on that end.
When it comes to trades, the only "untouchable" on the Jazz would be Deron Williams. They're not untouchable, but it'd take a lot to get Boozer, Okur or Millsap off the Jazz. Boozer isn't quite untouchable because as good as he has been this season, he hasn't been able to stay healthy before now. KOC might take the opportunity to trade him while his value is high, fearing more injuries. Highly unlikely though. With their age and contracts, Fisher and Harpring are hardly trade bait and both have important roles on the Jazz. Teams would be reluctant to take on Kirilenko's massive contract combined with his drop in production. Anyone else could easily be traded, even Brewer, Utah's first round picks don't tend to stay long.
I'd still give you guys Jason Richardson for Andrei Kirilenko. Sounds like it won't happen... ...which is good, I guess, cause my heart would break seeing Jason in Utah blue. I feel dirty whenever I discuss trading him.
