Andrei Kirilenko: "In 99 percent will stay in the NBA"

Last night, Moscow time in the NBA free agent market opened, one of which - after refusing to sign a new contract with "Minnesota" - now is the best current basketball player and Russia. Yesterday he got through to the correspondent "SE".


- It seems that the "Minnesota" you are satisfied. Why not get the opportunity to automatically extend the contract signed last fall in a "1 +1"?

- Do not see the point. A year later, the situation would be exactly the same. And me and my family is extremely uncomfortable to be in limbo. To close all the time, thought, will have to move at the end of the season or not? So this is a solution - a strategic. I want to sign a contract for a longer period of time. And this does not mean that I'm just out of the "Minnesota." Here I was really happy with everything. Everything - except for the term of the contract.

- How many years you want to sign a contract - three, four? ..

- (Laughs) I would like more than one. I'm sure at least another three seasons, I can play at a high level. Then, you may have to think about the veteran minimum. But what will happen in three years - is unknown. Actually, I used to think that to finish his career at age 30. But now I'm already 32 and I'm still full of energy and desire to play.

- It is not connected to your decision with a desire to advocate for a stronger club? Which unlike "Minnesota" would fight for the title.

- Of course it is always better to play a strong team. But for me, great importance is the atmosphere inside the club. The decor in "Minnesota" - wonderful. In this respect, I was lucky. And the current composition, I'm sure, is able to achieve much more than last season, when we have an early chance to get lost in the playoffs.

- When you first thought about the fact that it is not necessary to renew the agreement with "Minnesota"?

- Not so long ago. Anyway it's working now. In the news media served pretty funny. So if I broke the contract with the club and walked away! Nothing of the kind. And my plan has never been to rush between cities. On the contrary, now I'm very interested in stability. This also contributed to the decision. After all, children should go to school, and these things are best to plan ahead.

- That is the prerogative for you - a long-term contract with "Minnesota"?

- Not really. To be honest, now hammer head is not all that I want - I leave. And all the works has been my agent Mark Fleysher. He and I have been working for 15 years and during that time never had claims against each other. Usually Mark collects all the necessary information and offers options. While I can say is that I'm still a player, "Minnesota". I was happy with everything at this club - the city, partners, organization. Is that the result of the command in the last championship not happy.

- A Fleysher already tossed you some options?

- No. Negotiations can begin on July 1. A transfer market is open only 10th.

- You allow the possibility of his return to CSKA?

- At 99 percent will stay in the NBA. Although you never know what might happen. All of a sudden I would be unnecessary to any of the 30 clubs in the American League?

- What would you prefer: a long-term contract with "Minnesota" with a salary of 10 million or "Miami", but half the amount?

- Do not want to drive themselves in any frame. And in general: Does it make sense to go to a club where your position is playing LeBron James? Or "Oklahoma" with Kevin Durant? It almost certainly means that you have to finish the game quietly career. I feel the strength of real benefit.

- What can you say about the "Brooklyn", which is owned by Mikhail Prokhorov and where to go superstars such as Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce?

- I am very pleased with this exchange. I hope he will. Then the two sides will be in the black. "Brooklyn" will have players that can aim a blow at the top of the most serious, and "Boston" will work in the future. For me the most attractive options. In the NBA are the 30 almost identical forces teams. Well, maybe typed commands 10 where the play would not want to. And of the remaining 20 is very difficult to choose. In one - a beautiful structure in the other - an attractive town in the third - supertrener in the fourth - a brilliant organization. And so on. However, my chances of getting into "Brooklyn" minimal. Team is staffed almost completely. Although ... In the NBA, everything is possible. A sick in any case will be for all the clubs, which have a bearing on the Russians - "Minnesota", "Denver", "Cleveland", "Brooklyn." Well, for "Utah" - the old fashioned way. (laughs)

- You mentioned the "Cleveland", who recently drafted a 19-m number of Sergey Karasev. What are its prospects in the NBA?

- It is very difficult to perceive the earrings as a player. I've known him since seven years. When brought to train at CSKA. To me, he - the son of a senior companion (Vasily Karasev. - Approx. PO ). And I'm very happy for him. I can only wish him well. And be quick to move to the NBA. To be the best of the Russians ever acted in this league. Actually, I'd like to gradually going out of our clubs in their leading roles in the NBA. And always happy to help fellow citizens, I can. It would be better if Karasev go overseas this summer, and does not remain in Russia for another season or two. Serge has already passed this stage - we need a new "gorochkami."

- But you yourself after having been selected in the NBA Draft, played two years for CSKA. Why?

- I had a different situation - a contract with the army club. Just two years. If not for him, immediately went to a "Utah".

- What else would you suggest Karasev, Jr.?

- Before it opens great prospects. But you should always remember that an American basketball most incredible situation. No one knows what happens at the career of a player. Remember this - Kwame Brown? It was absolutely the best at the undergraduate level, but the NBA star did not. Or another option - Kevin Martin. A little-known basketball player quite differently revealed in "Sacramento."

- When are you going to finally decide his future?

- I'm not in a hurry. A year ago the Olympics. Because of her, I do not want any speculation and signed a new contract quickly. And now I work on an individual schedule. I plan to send her son to a sports camp. Yes, and I want to be there for a while. Actively train will start in early August.

- Still? You did not answer the question.

- To determine the future from July 10 to September 29. The sooner this happens - the better. To know exactly what to do and where to move, of course, if necessary. But not everything depends on me. No need to guess.