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Minnesota Timberwolves: Andrei Kirilenko Considering Opting Out

By Vytis Lasaitis

January 26, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrei Kirilenko (47) signals to a teammate during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
January 26, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrei Kirilenko (47) signals to a teammate during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 26, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrei Kirilenko (47) signals to a teammate during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
January 26, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrei Kirilenko (47) signals to a teammate during the game against the Charlotte Bobcats at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats win 102-101. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Andrei Kirilenko returned to the NBA last season and played for the Minnesota Timberwolves. This summer, he has a decision to make in regards to his $10 million player option with Minnesota, and could potentially opt out.

While the Russian forward might not find that kind of money in free agency, he is 32 years old and future job security could be the priority. According to 1500 ESPN, that is something he is considering:

"“So far nothing has been decided, before the first of July is the time. Let us think. For me, not that good, it’s just a one-year (contract with the Wolves). And after a year I have to again decide what’s what, I would certainly prefer in this situation have a full contract and did not think about my future.”"

The Timberwolves would love to keep Kirilenko around, but the thought of paying him $10 million is not something that the team really loves. If Andrei was to opt out of his contract and become a free agent, there would obviously be the possibility of Kirilenko signing a multi-year extension with the team, but for a smaller annual salary.

Kirilenko averaged 12.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in the 2012-13 NBA regular season.

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