AK To Costly to Move

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>A.K. Too Costly?<div><span style="font-style: italic">Sep 21</span> - A great line I heard Thursday from someone with the Jazz was that Andrei Kirilenko would have to go to Iran or Malaysia if he wanted to sign with a team while still under contract in Utah. In fact, I'm sure there are people who would like to send Andrei to Tehran right now.

If Kirilenko's serious about walking away from the $63 million he's owed, the Jazz could negotiate a contract buyout for an amount all the way down to zero dollars. That's what happened with Derek Fisher earlier this summer. </p>

A trade with Phoenix for Shawn Marion makes sense. The Jazz could build a package around Corey Maggette with the Clippers. They could see whether the Lakers are willing to part with Lamar Odom or use Kwame Brown's expiring contract as the foundation for a deal. </p>

They could see if Washington's willing to trade one of its centers (Brendan Haywood or Etan Thomas) or trade for Antawn Jamison's expiring contract. They could go to Indiana for a player like Danny Granger or Toronto for an Anthony Parker. -- Salt Lake Tribune </p>[*]Facing the threat of possible fines, Andrei Kirilenko is done with interviews after his latest with the Russian Sport Express newspaper.

Kirilenko's wife, Masha, e-mailed Thursday to say Kirilenko had talked to his agent and been warned by the NBA that he would face fines if he continued to talk about the Jazz. </p>

"According to him players are not supposed to talk openly about things like this unless they wanna be fined," Masha Kirilenko wrote. -- Salt Lake Tribune </p>

</p>[*]Dealing Andrei Kirilenko for Antawn Jamison might seem attractive for the Jazz since Jamison's contract comes off the books next summer, when Utah is going to have break open the vault to give Deron Williams an extension. But from a financial perspective, I don't see how it would really help the Wizards.

Abe Pollin refuses to pay the luxury tax, which really hamstrings Ernie Grunfeld's ability to make the team much better than it already is. And, the Wizards are flirting with the tax threshold (which is about $67.9 million) this season -- when Gilbert Arenas is making just under $12 million. </p>

Kirilenko is owed $63 million over the next four years. But while he is an exciting player, has a tremendous skill set and would certainly provide the Wizards with a solid (much needed) defensive presence, is he really worth that much money? You already know the answer. -- Washington Post </p>

</p>[*]There is no doubt that Kirilenko, at 26, is an intriguing mix of length, defensive guile and skill, as evidenced by his efforts in the recently completed European Championships, which ended in a Russian title and Olympic berth.

That said, the players the Heat most likely would offer in such a deal hardly could be considered Jerry Sloan-type players. One has a difficult time envisioning the old-school Utah coach embracing Jason Williams, Antoine Walker or Dorell Wright. -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel </p>

</p>[*]He can't shoot, at least not consistently. The Warriors don't need another swingman with a sketchy jumper.

This dude is a good guy, by all accounts. Al Harrington told me he was a genuinely cool cat. But he's a head case in the locker room. Whenever things don't go his way, you can count on him whining to the media and stirring up some kind of fuss. He can be a distraction. He asked for his trade on a blog, in Russian. Enough said. </p>

He's on the books for $63 million over the next four years. If the Warriors pick up AK47, and extend Baron Davis, Andris Biedrins and Monta Ellis, that's all the cap for the future and the Warriors won't be players in the free agent market for a while. -- Contra Costa Times</p></div></div>