From Deseret News archives:

Andrei wants out of Utah

Published: Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007 12:02 a.m. MDT
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The good news for the Utah Jazz is that after a shaky 2006-07 NBA campaign, Andrei Kirilenko had a strong offseason. He recently led Russia to the European Championship held in Spain.

But the bad news for the Jazz, apparently, is that the 6-foot-9 forward no longer wants to play in Utah.

Kirilenko made it clear in a blog entry on a Russian Web site on Tuesday that he no longer wants to be a member of the Jazz.

In the blog post written in Russian on Sport Today, Kirilenko wrote about his general unhappiness playing in Jazz coach Jerry Sloan's system and of his disappointment in his role last season. Kirilenko averaged 8.3 points and 4.7 rebounds a year ago — down from his career averages of 12.9 points and 6.2 boards.

According to an online translation, Kirilenko called coach Jerry Sloan a "legend". But he wrote that for him, Sloan's "style and system is not suitable."

Kirilenko indicated that he has voiced his desire to be traded to Jazz vice president of basketball operations Kevin O'Connor.

O'Connor, contacted Tuesday night by KSL-TV, had no comment on Kirilenko's blog entry.

Trading Kirilenko would not be easy since he is a "max-money" player whose contract runs through the 2010-11 season. His play in the European championships, however, may increase his trade value.

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With or without Kirilenko, the Jazz will open training camp in Boise on Oct. 6.


E-mail: lojo@desnews.com

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