Andrei Kirilenko reportedly negotiating return to Russia

Forward Andrei Kirilenko is reportedly negotiating a deal to return to professional Russian team Spartak St. Petersburg.

Kirilenko's agent, Marc Fleisher, made no mention about his client signing with Spartak when contacted Wednesday.

Kirilenko, 30, began his pro career in St. Petersburg. He made his debut during 1996-97 as a 15-year-old, and was the youngest athlete to ever play in the Russian League.

While Kirilenko said several times last season that he would consider ending his career in Russia, he also stated a clear preference to remain in the NBA during the next few years. Moreover, Kirilenko's mention that he might retire after the 2011 EuroBasket tournament is at odds with statements he made multiple times last season, when he expressed interest in extending his career several more years.