"Andrei Kirilenko waited a decade to arrive at this point in his life. Now, he is indulging in the freedoms that his new world presents.

The Russian-born Jazz forward recently became a United States citizen. And after enduring preseason trade rumors that linked his name with Denver's Carmelo Anthony, the 10th-year player who has spent his entire NBA career wearing a Utah uniform is at the midway point of his final year under contract with the Jazz.

"I've never been in this position. I've never been a free agent," Kirilenko, 29, said. "I've never been free, had free time to decide. It's going to be a new experience for me. I'll see how it goes, what I have."

He added: "A lot of things depend on the Jazz and what's the Jazz plans about me."

Kirilenko signed a maximum deal with Utah in 2004, inking a six-year, $86 million agreement that has been a blessing and a curse. But the 6-foot-9, 235-pound Kirilenko has been in fine form in 2010-11, staying healthy and consistently filling up statistical lines as he plays through the final year of a contract that is set to pay him $17.8 million this season.

Jazz guard C.J. Miles said that only Raja Bell rivals AK as being the "glue" that connects Utah's team. Veteran center Mehmet Okur believes that Kirilenko is indisputably one of the key veteran leaders who make the Jazz tick on the court and off. And general manager Kevin O'Connor sees Kirilenko as both barometer and X-factor - when his performance peaks, Utah soars.

"He's a real key to our team," O'Connor said. "And he's really somebody that we have to have on the court for us to play well."

Keying Kirilenko's consistency has been his increased comfort. He praised the Jazz's improved chemistry and teamwork, while acknowledging that his respect is at an all-time high for everyone from Utah coach Jerry Sloan to the team's front office.

"We had ups and downs in the past. But right now we've been together 10 years," Kirilenko said. "I know their best side, their worst sides; they know mine. We try to deal with it, and we kind of find that golden middle."

Which is exactly what Sloan said about a player he has often pushed but ultimately respects.

"Andrei's a wonderful guy. There's no question about that," Sloan said. "He's been a good guy to deal with over the years. We haven't always seen eye to eye. But he's always tried to do the best he can when he plays, and that's all you can ask anybody to do.""