Sergey Karasev still has "mixed feelings" about trade, but understands best opportunity is in Brooklyn

If Sergey Karasev had somehow stayed in Cleveland (and under the tutelage of David Blatt, the former Russian national team coach) and not been traded to Brooklyn, he would have been way down in the Cavs' rotation.  After all, Cleveland will have a few swingmen ahead of him, whether or not Andrew Wiggins leaves.

Karasev understands that, of course, and that his Olympic team mentor, Andrei Kirilenko, plays in Brooklyn but he admits to having "mixed feelings" a month after he and Jarrett Jack were traded for Marcus Thornton and the rights to a couple of Europeans. Here's what he told Nikolai Mysin of SovSport as translated by Alexander Chenykh of Rush'in Hoops.

"On one hand, Cleveland gave me a lot during my first season in the best league in the World. On the other hand, I understand that given the current situation in both teams, including the current rosters, in Brooklyn I have a better chance to start playing. Of course, this is all just on paper for now – nobody guarantees that I will be getting minutes regularly. There’s only one way: bust your back and prove your worth."

Karasev, who plays Wednesday in the FIBA Europe Qualifying Tournament, said he has had a brief conversation with Lionel Hollins and will have more after his national commitments are filled.

"We will talk in autumn, when I come back to New York from the national team. Then Lionel will let me know what he expects from me. And I will bend over backwards not to disappoint the coach."

Karasev also said he chose to live in a suburban apartment complex near the Nets training facility rather than New York. "It’s calm and quiet and it’s close to the Nets practice facility where the team spends 80 percent of the time. Though the place is empty for now, there is no furniture or appliances. I will make myself at home when we are done with Eurobasket qualifiers "

• Sergey Karasev didn’t want to live in New York, so he rented in New Jersey - Nikolai Mysin - SovSport (as translated by Alexander Chernykh of Rush'n Hoops)