Look as if the Nets possibly are stashing Nenad Krstic overseas. Again.
Krstic has accepted a two-year deal with Triumph of Moscow to play in Russia, the second Net to opt for Russia in as many weeks. Bostjan Nachbar accpted a three-year deal with Dynamo of Moscow last week, accpeting what he called a “once in a lifetime” deal.
As long as the Nets make Krstic a qualifying offer each year — as they did before the free agency period started ($2.7 million was the NBA qualifier), the Nets will retain his NBA rights. And he has an opt-out clause after the first year in Russia should he decide he wants to play in the NBA again.
After the Nets drafted him 24th in 2002, they stashed Krstic overseas for two seasons.
His absence brings the Nets’ roster down to 15. That was as much a reason as any for letting Krstic head to Moscow. They could have done a sign-and-trade deal with an NBA team — Chicago and Memphis were among the interested parties — but they did not want to take back any long-term deals which they would have had to do in this case.
Remember, everything for the Nets is about being ready for the 2010 free agent class, even if they’re playing in the Bloomfield High School gym while Brooklyn gets ready.
The Nets had until midnight today to get a deal done for Krstic and didn’t. So the 7-foot center took the Euros. Krstic will get the equivalent of $10 million U.S. The deal is two years, for $5.7 million.
Factor in the lack of taxes and the U.S. dollar being worth its weight in cardboard overseas and Krstic gets about $10 million.
Despite the 15 contracts, the Nets are still looking for a third point guard. But one of those targeted, Royal Ivey, signed with Philadelphia.