76ers Suspended Andrei Kirilenko for not Joining Team Post-Trade

The Philadelphia 76ers have indefinitely suspended Andrei Kirilenko without pay for failing to join the team after he was traded from the New York Nets on Dec. 11. In that trade, the 76ers also got guard Jorge Gutierrez, a 2020 second-round draft pick and cash.

Coach Brett Brown confirmed the suspension Friday night. Brown said before that he has been looking forward to coaching the 13-year veteran.

The league learned of the suspension earlier this week, Adrian Wojnarowski with Yahoo! Sports reported.

So far there is no news on why the 33-year-old has not joined the team. Prior to his trade, which sent Brandon Davies to the Nets, the Russian cited personal family issues that have prevented him from playing. He has not played in a game since Nov. 13.

Early reports according to Bob Ford of the Philadelphia Inquirer stated that 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie and Nets general manager Billy King had a 'handshake deal' to release Kirilenko.

"According to two sources, the Nets told the Sixers that Kirilenko would not report and wished to become a free agent. Brooklyn had other trade options that would have worked out just as well or better if Kirilenko had been willing to play. Those sources insist the Sixers agreed to release Kirilenko but did not," Ford wrote.

He added, "'With Sam, it's all about assets,' another league source said. 'He wants small things to add up to big things. He does things his way.' That's fine, but sources around the league indicate that Hinkie is also gaining a reputation as someone with whom other teams are leery of doing business.

Hinkie reportedly backed out of the deal.