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Brooklyn Nets sign Andrei Kirilenko

The Brooklyn Nets have signed free agent forward Andrei Kirilenko, Nets General Manager Billy King announced today.

According to ESPN.com, “The Nets will use their taxpayer mini midlevel exception to bring Kirilenko aboard. It’s a two-year contract with a player option for the second year, a source said. Kirilenko will make $3.1 million in the first year of the deal. Kirilenko, 32, signed a two-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves worth $20 million last offseason, but opted out of the final year worth $10 million to become a free agent again this summer.”

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Andrei to the Nets,” said Nets Principal Owner Mikhail Prokhorov. “He is a true talent with tremendous versatility. As a fellow countryman, I am especially proud that the best Russian player in the history of the NBA will be wearing a Nets jersey.”

“We are very pleased to add Andrei to our roster,” said King. “He is a proven NBA veteran with a unique skill set, and his addition provides our team with increased frontcourt flexibility.”

In an 11-year NBA career with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves, the 2004 NBA All-Star owns averages of 12.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.4 steals. Last season, his lone with the Timberwolves, the Russian native averaged 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks. The 6’9’’ Kirilenko is a three-time All-Defensive selection (First Team in 2005-06; Second Team in 2003-04 and 2004-05) and was selected Player of the Week twice during the 2003-04 campaign. Kirilenko led the NBA in blocks per game (3.3) in 2004-05 and in total blocks in 2005-06 (220), and currently ranks 24th in NBA history in blocks per game (1.9), fifth among active players. Voted First Team All-Rookie in 2001-02 as a 20-year-old, he went on to appear in the playoffs in six of his first nine seasons, averaging 10.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.9 blocks and 1.2 steals in 45 games (36 starts).

Selected by Utah with the 24th pick in the 1999 NBA Draft, Kirilenko did not join the Jazz until the 2001-02 season. Prior to coming to the NBA, he became the youngest player to appear in the Russian Superleague as a 17-year-old with Spartak St. Petersburg during the 1997-98 season. Kirilenko spent the next three years with CSKA Moscow, where he led CSKA to the Superleague Championship and was selected an All-Star in his first season before winning the Russian League MVP in 2000. Kirilenko decided to leave the NBA and play domestically in 2011-12, returning to CSKA and leading his team to the Euroleague Final while garnering Euroleague MVP, All-Euroleague First Team and Euroleague Defensive Player of the Year accolades.

Born in Izhevsk, Kirilenko has represented his country at the 2000, 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games, winning a bronze medal in 2012 in London and being honored as his country’s flag bearer in 2008 in Beijing. He has also been a member of five Russian EuroBasket entries, highlighted by his 2007 campaign that saw Russia win the gold medal and culminating with his selection as MVP of the tournament.

In Brooklyn, Kirilenko reunites with point guard Deron Williams. The two were teammates with the Jazz for five-and-a-half seasons in Utah between 2005-06 and 2010-11, before Williams was acquired midseason by the Nets. In 2006-07, the duo led the Jazz to a Western Conference Finals appearance.

NBA trade: Celtics send Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry to Nets

The Brooklyn Nets want to compete for a championship, right now. The Boston Celtics want to rebuild. And today, the huge trade agreed upon earlier in July was executed and became official today.

The Nets have acquired Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Jason Terry and D.J. White from the Celtics in exchange for Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, MarShon Brooks, Kris Joseph, Keith Bogans and three first round draft picks (2014, 2016 and 2018), as well as the right to swap first round picks in 2017, Nets General Manager Billy King has announced.

“Today, the basketball gods smiled on the Nets,” said Nets Principal Owner Mikhail Prokhorov. “With the arrival of Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, we have achieved a great balance on our roster between veteran stars and young talents. This team will be dazzling to watch, and tough to compete against. ”

“We are excited to welcome Kevin, Paul and Jason to Brooklyn,” said King. “All three players have championship pedigree and possess the veteran qualities that will make us a stronger team.”

“We would like to thank Paul, Kevin, and Jason for everything that they have done for this franchise. We would not have won Banner 17 without Paul and Kevin and they will go down amongst the all-time great players to have ever worn a Celtics uniform,” said Celtics President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. “At the same time we are excited to welcome Gerald, Kris, Keith, MarShon and Kris to the Celtics family. They bring a wealth of talent, experience, depth, and flexibility to our team.”

“Paul and Kevin exemplified everything it means to be a Celtic,” said Celtics Managing Partner and CEO Wyc Grousbeck. “They were instrumental in bringing back Celtic Pride and providing our fans with the franchise’s first championship in over 20 years in 2008. We wish them nothing but the best in the future.”

“We are really excited to welcome Gerald, Kris, Keith, MarShon and Kris to the Celtics organization,” said Celtics Head Coach Brad Stevens. “They collectively bring a great deal of versatility, unique skill sets and production to our roster. I cannot wait to get to work with them.”

In 18 seasons and 1,323 career games, Garnett holds averages of 19.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.5 blocks. This past season, the 6’ 11” power forward averaged 14.8 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while playing in 68 contests. In 131 playoff games, Garnett has averaged 19.2 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.5 assists. A fifteen-time All-Star, the veteran was selected as the NBA MVP during the 2003-04 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves. That season he averaged career-highs in points per game (24.2) and rebounds per game (13.9), while leading the NBA in total points (1,987) and rebounds (1,139). The Mauldin, SC native has been named first team All-NBA four times in his career, second team three times and third team twice. Garnett ranks 11th all-time in NBA history in games played (1,323), sixth in minutes (47,801), 11th in field goals (10,151), second in defensive rebounds (10,757), 10th in total rebounds (13,843), and 15th in points (25,274). He was the 2007-08 NBA Defensive Player of the Year and has been selected to the All-Defensive first team nine times and second team three times. Garnett helped lead the Celtics to the 2008 NBA Championship. For the 2008 playoffs, Garnett averaged 20.4 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Following his career at Farragut Academy in Chicago, Illinois, Garnett was selected in the first round (fifth overall) of the 1995 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Pierce, a ten-time All-Star, played the first fifteen seasons of his career with the Boston Celtics where he was selected All-NBA third team three times and second team once. He ranks fifth all-time in NBA history in career three-pointers made (1,823), 20th in total points (24,021), 30th in points per game (21.8) and 10th in free throws made (6,434). Through 1,102 career games he has compiled averages of 21.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. This past season, he held averages of 18.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists. The Celtics selected Pierce with the tenth pick of the 1998 NBA Draft. Boston made the playoffs in ten of the Oakland, CA native’s fifteen seasons in Boston, once capturing the Larry O’Brien trophy (2008). In 136 career playoff games, Pierce has averaged 20.9 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.

In 1,101 games with the Hawks, Mavericks and Celtics, Terry has career averages of 15.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game. The 14-year veteran’s 1,911 made three-pointers rank him fourth in NBA history. He has amassed 17,286 total points in his career and won the 2008-09 Sixth Man of the Year award as a member of the Dallas Mavericks when he averaged 19.6 points per game. Terry was also a member of the 2011 NBA Champion Mavericks, and in his 93 career playoff games, holds averages of 16.5 points and 3.4 assists per game. Originally drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the tenth pick of the 1999 NBA Draft, Terry has made the playoffs in nine consecutive seasons dating back to 2004-05. In 2012-13, his lone season in Boston, the Seattle, WA native averaged 13.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

Following his career at Indiana University, White was a first-round draft pick (29th overall) of the Detroit Pistons. He has played in 136 career NBA games with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Charlotte Bobcats and Boston Celtics and recorded averages of 6.0 points and 3.2 rebounds while shooting 50.7% from the field.

Brooklyn Nets re-sign Andray Blatche

The Brooklyn Nets have re-signed free agent forward/center Andray Blatche, General Manager Billy King announced today. Blatche originally signed with Brooklyn as a free agent on September 12, 2012.

“Andray was a vital member of our team last season,“ said King. “He provides valuable front court depth, and we look forward to his continued contribution.”

Although Blatche was mostly used off the bench, InsideHoops.com felt he might have been better used as the starting power foward, playing alongside Brook Lopez. But after the trade that brought Kevin Garnett to Brooklyn, it’s assumed Blatche will continue to be used as a reserve.

In his first season with the Nets, the 6’11’’ Blatche averaged 10.3 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 51.2% from the field in 19.0 minutes per game, and was the only Net to appear in all 82 games. Over eight starts, the 49th pick of the 2005 NBA Draft averaged 17.9 points and 9.3 rebounds, while shooting 52.3% from the field. In his third postseason appearance, Blatche recorded personal playoff-highs in scoring (10.3 points per game), rebounding (4.9) and assists (1.3). The eight year veteran, who spent his first seven seasons with the Washington Wizards, holds career averages of 9.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.0 blocks over 491 games (184 starts).

Brooklyn Nets sign guard Shaun Livingston

The Brooklyn Nets have signed free agent guard Shaun Livingston, General Manager Billy King announced today. He’ll provide backup depth off the bench.

“Shaun’s abilities give our roster added versatility in the backcourt,” said King. “His basketball acumen and the way he plays the game are a great fit for this team.”

Livingston, an eight-year NBA veteran who has played for seven different teams, averaged 6.3 points, 3.3 assists, and 2.4 rebounds on 48% shooting over 66 games (16 starts) last season for the Cleveland Cavaliers and Washington Wizards. After being acquired by the Cavaliers on December 25, 2012, the 6’7’’ Livingston averaged 7.1 points and 3.6 assists while shooting 48% from the field in 23.0 minutes over 49 games (12 starts). Livingston, who was the 4th overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, holds career averages of 6.7 points and 3.5 assists in 390 contests. In his second season, 2005-06, he made his only playoff appearance with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he averaged 7.5 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.7 rebounds and advanced to the second round.

The 2004 McDonalds All-American, who entered the NBA out of high school, was selected as the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for April, 2005.

Indiana Pacer sign guard C.J. Watson

The Indiana Pacers announced Wednesday they have signed free agent C.J. Watson to a contract.

Watson, a 6-2, 180 lb. guard, is a six-year veteran of the NBA, having played for Golden State, Chicago and Brooklyn with career averages of 7.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. He spent the 2012-13 season with Brooklyn and averaged 6.8 points, 1.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 80 games.

“C.J. Watson is exactly the type of player we were looking for when we said we needed to address our bench,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. “He’s experienced and he has been with winning teams, so he knows what it takes.”

“We’ve looked at a lot of things since the season ended and upgrading our bench was one of those things,” said Pacers Head Coach Frank Vogel. “I feel the addition of C.J. Watson will help us accomplish that goal.”

Undrafted out of the University of Tennessee, Watson played briefly in Europe before returning to the United States and playing in the NBA Developmental League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he averaged 26.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.38 steals over 16 games in the 2007-08 season. He signed with the Golden State Warriors on Jan. 8, 2008.

“I’m excited to join the Pacers,” said Watson. “It’s a good young team with a bright future and a shot to compete for a championship and I’m happy to be a part of that.”

Brooklyn Nets promote Frank Zanin to assistant general manager

The Brooklyn Nets have promoted Frank Zanin to Assistant General Manager where he will work alongside Assistant General Manager Bobby Marks, General Manager Billy King announced today. The Nets also promoted Matt Riccardi to Basketball Operations Manager, Sean Sweeney to Video Operations Manager, Scott Sereday to Statistical Analyst and Brennan Blair to Video Coordinator.

Zanin begins his fourth year with the Nets, having served last season as the director of player procurement and the prior two seasons as the team’s pro personnel scout. He began his NBA career in 1999 as a video intern with the Philadelphia 76ers, and then was hired as the team’s video coordinator the following season, a position he held until 2003, when he was promoted to advance scout/assistant coach. In 2006, Zanin began a two-year tenure as the team’s pro personnel scout. Zanin is a 1999 graduate of West Chester University, where he was a three-year starter on the basketball team and received his degree in business management.

Riccardi is in his fifth season with the organization, serving the past two seasons as basketball operations coordinator. He began his NBA career during the 2009-2010 season as a basketball operations intern before being hired as a team assistant for the following season. Riccardi is a 2009 graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler, where he was a member of the basketball team for four seasons and received a masters of business administration and an undergraduate degree in business management.

Sweeney enters his third season with the team, previously working as the team’s video coordinator. Before joining the Nets, Sweeney was the video coordinator at the University of Northern Iowa with prior stops as a coach at the Academy of Art University and the University of Evansville, where he began as director of operations. Sweeney is a graduate of St. Thomas (MN), where he was team captain and a 2006 All-Conference selection.

Sereday enters his third season with the organization, and first as full-time statistical analyst. Prior to the Nets, he worked as an actuary for Buck Consultants, LLC in Secaucus, NJ for over four years. Sereday obtained a masters in statistics from Columbia University in 2012 and a bachelors in statistics from Rutgers University in 2005.

Blair begins his fourth season with the Nets, having most recently served as assistant video coordinator last season. Since 2010-11, he has held various internship positions with the information technology, basketball operations and video departments, before being hired last year. Blair is a 2012 graduate of Seton Hall University, where he received his business degree with a double major in sports management and information technology management.

Shaun Livingston is signing with Brooklyn Nets

In need of a backup point guard to support starter Deron Williams, the Brooklyn Nets turned to a popular name who showed promise years ago before suffering a brutal injury.

The Brooklyn Nets have agreed to terms with backup point guard Shaun Livingston, a source told ESPNNewYork.com.

ESPN.com’s Marc Stein reported earlier Saturday that the Nets were closing in on a deal with Livingston to add backcourt depth under new coach Jason Kidd.

Reported by Mike Mazzeo of ESPN New York

Bojan Bogdanovic and Nets agree on 3-year contract

The Nets came to an agreement last night with 2011 second-round pick Bojan Bogdanovic, according to a league source.

Bogdanovic will sign a three-year deal with the Nets starting at about $2.5 million when the NBA’s moratorium on transactions ends Wednesday. The deal also contains a player option in the third year, the source said. The Nets used most of their taxpayer’s mid-level exception to sign Bogdanovic, the only way they could sign a player for more than the veteran’s minimum, due to the fact they are far over the luxury tax threshold.

By not using all of the mini mid-level exception — which starts at $3.18 million this year — the Nets saved themselves roughly $3 million on what will be a massive luxury tax bill thanks to their massive payroll following the blockbuster deal with the Celtics.

Reported by Tim Bontemps of the New York Post

C.J. Watson will sign with Indiana Pacers

Although just a backup guard. C.J. Watson has shown plenty of flashes that he’s a legit player, and one that can step up and exceed expectations when a team’s starter is unable to play. So, he keeps geting signed.

C.J. Watson, backup point guard for the Brooklyn Nets, agreed to a two-year contract with the Indiana Pacers, sources confirmed to ESPN The Magazine’s Chris Broussard.

Watson’s agreement was earlier reported by HoopsWorld.

Watson tweeted “keep up with the pace” on Monday, in an apparent nod to his choice of teams.

Watson, 29, had a player option for $1.1 million but opted out to become an unrestricted free agent.

Reported by ESPN.com news services

Nets re-sign Andray Blatche for $1.4 million

One of the first agreements in the 2013 NBA free agency period is in Brooklyn, where the Nets will keep a big-man that can score points in a hurry.

The Nets continued their busy offseason on the opening day of free agency, coming to an agreement to re-sign Andray Blatche to a one-year, $1.4 million deal Monday night.

Retaining Blatche, which won’t be official until July 10, was crucial for the Nets, who need to retain as much depth as possible up and down their roster, and particularly behind newly acquired Kevin Garnett.

After the Nets signed Blatche after he’d been amnestied by the Wizards last summer, the 6-foot-11 big man – who is capable of playing both power forward and center – had a terrific season for the Nets, proving to be one of the biggest bargain signings in the entire league last year. Blatche averaged 10.3 points and 5.1 rebounds coming off the bench for much of the season and pairing with Brook Lopez to give the Nets the best 1-2 combination at center in the NBA.”

Reported by Tim Bontemps of the New York Post (Blog)