Three years ago, Nenad Krstic left Russia to re-join the NBA, signing a contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was his second stint in the NBA after leaving the Nets -- where he was a borderline All-Star -- to play in Europe for half a season, rehabbing a surgically repaired knee.
Now he's going back.
According to Interbasket.com, Krstic has signed a two-year deal with Euro giant CSKA Moscow.
The Serbia national team centre agreed to a two-year deal worth six million euros with the reigning Russian champions. Despite being targeted by other European giants, such as Olympiacos and Barcelona, the 27-year-old opted for the Reds given the amount of money involved.Krstic was a productive center for the Thunder, starting every game that he was healthy. He was traded to Boston in the deal that sent Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder and Jeff Green to the Celtics. He never was able to contribute much in Boston, more just finding a spot on the bench.
A lot of people see this as a lockout issue, but I don't think it's really related all that much. I'm sure it was in the back of Krstic's mind, but the fact he's had success in Europe and likely wants to play on a team where he's the focus once again pushed him toward going overseas.
It's only a two-year deal and I'd imagine there's a favorable buyout, so there's potential Krstic could return once again to the NBA. But at 27 and the fact his recent stint in Boston wasn't all that successful, it's hard to see a team making a play for an aging jumpshooting big man.
Last season Krstić averaged 8.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in the NBA with the Celtics and Thunder and completed one chair throw for his Serbian national team.
