"As for the possibility of trading Kirilenko, Miller said "only one ever generated any steam." That was the Marion-for-Kirilenko trade, as previously reported.

The Suns originally wanted to unload Marcus Banks, only to have the Jazz balk at taking on a $17 million salary commitment for a backup point guard. The talks eventually came around to a one-for-one deal, Marion for Kirilenko.

While Marion is a perennial All-Star and Kirilenko is coming off his career-worst season, Miller suggested contract length was a key factor. Marion is signed for another two years but can opt out of his contract and become a free agent after this season.

Phoenix apparently tried to sell the Jazz on being free from the millions owed to Kirilenko the next four years. But Miller sees things differently. "If a guy's as good as he should be, getting paid that kind of money, I want him to play for four years, not for two," he said.

Additionally, Miller felt that the younger Kirilenko was a superior talent. "When Andrei's playing like Andrei that we think of, I'll say the Andrei we've come to know and love, he's a better player," Miller said."

Posted by TrueBlue:

http://www.sltrib.com/ci_7161529?source=rv

"As for the possibility of trading Kirilenko, Miller said "only one ever generated any steam." That was the Marion-for-Kirilenko trade, as previously reported.

The Suns originally wanted to unload Marcus Banks, only to have the Jazz balk at taking on a $17 million salary commitment for a backup point guard. The talks eventually came around to a one-for-one deal, Marion for Kirilenko.

While Marion is a perennial All-Star and Kirilenko is coming off his career-worst season, Miller suggested contract length was a key factor. Marion is signed for another two years but can opt out of his contract and become a free agent after this season.

Phoenix apparently tried to sell the Jazz on being free from the millions owed to Kirilenko the next four years. But Miller sees things differently. "If a guy's as good as he should be, getting paid that kind of money, I want him to play for four years, not for two," he said.

Additionally, Miller felt that the younger Kirilenko was a superior talent. "When Andrei's playing like Andrei that we think of, I'll say the Andrei we've come to know and love, he's a better player," Miller said."

Posted by Ira:

I'd do that deal. But I see Miller's logic. He's an optimist and feels AK47 will get back on his game and drop his obsession with becoming a scorer.