The NBA has cleared the Brooklyn Nets of any wrongdoing for its signing of veteran forward Andrei Kirilenko after several team owners and executives complained of possible under-the-table deals between the defensive ace and his countryman, Russian billionaire and Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov.
The New York Post reports that the NBA launched a 'thorough' investigation into the free agent signing after getting complaints from several team owners. Kirilenko was paid about $10 million by the Minnesota Timberwolves last year and surprisingly opted out of the final year of his deal to take a lesser pay of $3.1 million from the contending Nets.
The newspaper reports that Nets officials were summoned by the league over the summer, checking everything and making sure that there was no suspicious activity on the part of the Nets in signing the versatile forward that has made the Nets a more formidable force in the Eastern Conference.
The same publication mentioned that the agent of Kirilenko, Marc Fleisher, declined to comment on whether there was an investigation. He hinted that the chance to play for a legitimate title contender prompted Kirilenko to sign with the Nets even at a reduced amount.
Prokhorov had addressed the rumors of possible under-the-table deals in July, when the team introduced new acquisitions Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Jason Terry. The flamboyant owner said he respects and plays by the NBA rules.
With the signing of Kirilenko approved by the league, the Nets further beef up their frontcourt led by center Brooke Lopez and Garnett. Together with All-Star Deron Williams, shooting guard Joe Johnson and Pierce, the Nets have one of the most formidable starting line-ups in the league. Kirilenko is expected to play off the bench to relieve Pierce.
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