The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly planning to part ways with Andrei Kirilenko before the NBA trade deadline in February, and the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly interested in acquiring the veteran small forward.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported that the Cavaliers and the Clippers have already expressed their interest in Kirilenko as both teams need a small forward who could help them improve their title chances this season.
Kirilenko is averaging just 5.1 minutes per game this season after falling out from Nets coach Lionel Hollins' rotation, but the Cavaliers and Clippers are still convinced that 33-year-old would be a great fit to their respective rosters.
Both teams are willing to wait until February or even until after the trade deadline if the Nets decide to reach a buyout agreement with Kirilenko, who is playing in the final year of his contract that pays him $3.3 million this season.
Several title contenders have reportedly reached out to the Nets about Kirilenko's availability, but they have yet to entertain offers since Kirilenko needs to attend a family matter, which will likely hold off trades until January or early February.
An NBA executive also said that Kirilenko has control over his future because he can dictate where he wants to play later in the season - either via trade or by reaching a buyout agreement with the Nets.
Aside from the Cavaliers and the Clippers, recent reports also indicated that the Los Angeles Lakers will consider adding Kirilenko once the Nets decide to waive the 13-year-veteran, who has career averages if 11.8 points to go along with 5.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.
The Lakers, who are currently at the cellar of the Western Conference standings with 3-13 record, are reportedly planning to use the $4.85 million disabled player exception for Steve Nash to acquire Kirilenko later in the season.
The Utah Jazz are also intrigued about the possibility of reuniting with Kirilenko. According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Nets could trade Kirilenko to Utah in exchange for either Toure Murry or Jeremy Evans.
Kirilenko spent the first 10 seasons of his NBA career in Utah before moving to the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2012. After one season in Minnesota, the Russian forward decided to sign with the Nets before the start of the 2013-14 NBA season.
