Having declined his player option for 2013/14, Andrei Kirilenko is on the open market, and at least one team besides the Wolves has Kirilenko in its sights, according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein. Stein tweets that the Spurs are expected to be in the mix for the Russian forward.
San Antonio has the opportunity to clear a good chunk of cap space this summer, but it will depend on what the team decides to do with free agents Manu Ginobili, Tiago Splitter, and Gary Neal. Re-signing all three players at reasonable prices could ensure that the team doesn't have the room necessary to pursue Kirilenko. But if the club were to let Splitter walk, for instance, there may be room to make a player like Kirilenko a competitive offer.
Kirilenko turned down a $10MM+ salary from the Timberwolves to hit the open market, and in an interview with Russia's Sport Express (translated by HoopsHype), he explains that he's seeking the security of a long-term contract. The 32-year-old believes he has at least three productive seasons left in him, and indicated he's open to returning to Minnesota, though Jerry Zgoda of the Star Tribune doesn't believe the Wolves have much interest in a reunion (Twitter link).
Why would the spurs be interested in AK? I realize he’s great defender n all but I’m not sure where there goin with this.
Because they have absolutely no small forwards on the bench and he is a very Spurs type player
He’s Too Damn Old And Slow. What The Hell Do We Need That For. 32 And Wants A Long Term. What The Hell Are The Spurs Thinking? Giving Up Splitter For An Aging Player Who Demands A Long Term And More Money Than Splitter Will Ever Get. What a Fing joke.
I know it’ll be a heck of a defensive small ball lineup. I guess basically he’ll be Blair’s replacement. And we will just go small a lot more.