Krstic to play for CSKA Moscow next year?

[Eddie20]

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4684484/from-russia-with-love-for-krstic

By Chris Forsberg

Does a Russian team have eyes on Celtics center Nenad Krstic?

Serbian website Sportske.net published a report this week that Russian basketball squad CSKA Moscow is interested in signing free-agent-to-be Nenad Krstic. From Russian sports site, Sports.ru:

CSKA Moscow are reportedly interested in signing Boston Celtics’ Serbian centre Nenad Krstic (27 years old, 213 cm). According to Serbian website Sportske.net, the Russian club has offered the player a long-term contract.

Meanwhile, commenting on this information CSKA president Andrey Vatutin has refrained from giving a direct confirmation or denial.

"As the offseason is coming with active negotiations and signings of new players, there will be a lot of rumors on alleged future contracts around each club. Some of this information will prove to be true, some will be a complete lie and just an element of the agents’ game aimed to increase the price of a particular player. CSKA not will neither deny, nor confirm any rumors before the actual conclusion of official contracts," Vatutin stated according to Championat.ru.

* Forsberg's take: Let the offseason fun begin! While Krstic is technically under contract with the Celtics through the end of June (the official end of the NBA season), there's certain to be all sorts of overseas reports this summer as -- with the NBA prepping for a potential lockout -- foreign teams will be waving big money at players to take their talents outside of North America. Krstic will be an unrestricted free agent and, as a Serbia native, it makes sense that he might draw interest in Russia. If he does get offered a deal from a team like CSKA Moscow, it will be interesting to see if he's willing to wait out a potential lockout here, or ink a deal that offers immediately security.

[Eja117]

makes some sense.  sorta

[FrDrake]

Krstic already left the NBA once to play for the Russian league and according to wikipedia he only played 13 games there....(...sorry couldn't find a better source.  Apparently, people go to Russia and their stats don't exist.)

Since he came back to play for OKC quickly it wouldn't surprise me if he passes up this offer and resigns with the Cs.  They freaking need him that's for sure.  Also, the luster of playing in Europe and other international leagues has faded after many players ended up in sketchy situations w/ not totally guaranteed contracts.

[jaybahs]

who cares ...

[FrDrake]

who cares ...

That's a really excellent point.  Thanks for the post.  It's especially helpful considering Jermaine O'Neal may retire, Shaq is ancient, and the Cs have no other centers on their roster.

[Cman]

who cares ...

I do.  Krstic is one of the better FA centers available.  Depending on the asking price, I wouldn't mind him back.

But I'm hoping JO will be back, and that the Cs can sign Jeff Foster to cheap money for the backup center position.

[greensquirrel]

I just read Olympiakos and Barcelona are interested, too. They are all top teams that can pay.
I think he's leaving.

[BASS_THUMPER]

he should go where he will be more appreciated


we didnt put time in with him here

wow..shaq now krstic

lawd ham mercy..!

too much in one day!

*sippin*

[PosImpos]

Most likely a lot of players -- especially foreign ones -- will be leaving the NBA to play abroad during the lockout.  Quite a few will probably even stay there instead of coming back, having signed long term contracts.  I wouldn't be surprised to see Krstic go.

[fairweatherfan06]

I like him but don't think he or his contract is the greatest asset. If he stays cool but if he goes, that's one less decision and negotiation we have to worry about in free agency and we can focus our attention elsewhere.

[j804]

I like him but don't think he or his contract is the greatest asset. If he stays cool but if he goes, that's one less decision and negotiation we have to worry about in free agency and we can focus our attention elsewhere.

These are my thoughts, I mean his effort was always there but if he walks it wouldn't bother me we might be better off

[the_Bird]

But I'm hoping JO will be back, and that the Cs can sign Jeff Foster to cheap money for the backup center position.

Jeff Foster would be a good (not great) pickup, but is there any indication that he's leaving Indiana?  Seems like Bird had plenty of chances to trade him over the years, and never did.  He's also basically the face of the Pacers franchise.  They're a young team that showed a lot of improvement under Vogel, and he's one of their locker-room leaders. 

Unless I've missed something, I'd be real surprised to see Foster go anywhere.