Karasev signed a contract Friday with B.C. Zenit Saint Petersburg of the Russian VTB United League, international basketball writer David Pick reports.

EDGE Analysis

All of Karasev's comments heading into the offseason suggested he had ruled out a return to the Nets and was disenchanted with the idea of sticking around in the NBA in any capacity, so it doesn't come as much of a surprise that he'll head to his native Russia. In signing with Zenit, Karasev will have the opportunity to play under his father, Vasily, a former point guard for the Russian national team who is regarded as a basketball icon in the country. Karasev is just 22 years old, and while a return to North America can't be ruled out at some point down the road for a player that young, his familial ties to Zenit might make it more difficult than normal for an NBA team to lure him back over.

Karasev's father, Vasily, recently said in an interview with Russian media that Sergey won't play for the Nets next season, Sportando reports. "Sergey is fine; he's already working for the next season," Vasily said. "It's too early to say where he'll play next season. We will consider all the options, both from NBA and Europe. One thing is for sure, Sergey won't play for the Nets next season."

EDGE Analysis

The Nets can technically match any offer Karasev, a restricted free agent, receives, but it doesn't seem either side is interested in a reunion. The former first-round pick played only 73 games in his two seasons with the Nets, and saw his court time decline in 2015-16, despite the team being well removed from playoff contention by midseason. With the 22-year-old failing to show much ability from distance during his first three seasons in the league, it's doubtful many teams will be interested in bringing him aboard on a multi-year contract. If that's the case, Karasev may opt to return to Russia to continue his career.

Karasev (personal) will not play in Wednesday's season finale, Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Karasev will sit out for the second straight game while attending to a personal matter, and the Nets will roll with the same nine players they used the last couple games.

Karasev will sit out Monday's game against the Wizards for personal reasons, Mike Mazzeo of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Karasev has seen sporadic minutes over the past couple of weeks, so his absence Monday doesn't necessarily open up additional playing time for any of his teammates in particular. His next opportunity to play will be in the regular season finale against the Raptors on Wednesday.

Karasev scored 17 points (5-7 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 6-7 FT) while adding seven rebounds, four assists and two steals in 26 minutes during Saturday's win over the Pacers.

EDGE Analysis

The points and boards were both career highs for Karasev, who likely earned himself at least one more start with his performance Saturday. If he can continue forming an effective wing partnership with Bojan Bogdanovic, Karasev could produce some surprising numbers over the final weeks of the season.

Karasev will join the starting lineup at shooting guard in Thursday's game against the Cavaliers, Mike Mazzeo of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Despite not playing in a coach's decision in Tuesday's loss to the Hornets, Karasev will reenter the mix in a prominent role Thursday, as coach Tony Brown expressed that he wanted to give his younger players some more opportunities over the final stretch of the regular season. While Karasev figures to see a boost in minutes from the 8.4 he's averaging for the season, he may only be a placeholder in the starting five, as Bojan Bogdanovic and the now-healthy Rondae Hollis-Jefferson are the likeliest candidates to assume most of the minutes on the wing.

Karasev will move back to the bench for Saturday's game against the Pistons, Mike Mazzeo of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

After an adjustment to the starting lineup Thursday that switched Karasev into the starting five in place of Wayne Ellington, Karasev will move back to his reserve role off the bench against the Pistons. Wayne Ellington will return to the lineup at shooting guard. Karasev has had an inconsistent role of late, playing 32, 5, 20, and 16 minutes in his last four outings.

Karasev is in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Bulls, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports.

EDGE Analysis

Karasev will draw the start at shooting guard, which will force Wayne Ellington to move into a bench role. It's a very surprising move for the Nets, as Karasev is averaging 1.4 points, 0.9 rebounds and 0.4 assists over just seven minutes per game on the season. With the move into the starting lineup, he should see a large increase in his normal allotment of minutes.

Karasev contributed one rebound, one assist, and one steal in five minutes during the Nets' 131-114 victory over the 76ers on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Karasev has appeared in five of the team's seven contests thus far in March. However, he is averaging just 2.2 points, 0.8 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.4 steals, and 0.2 blocks in 10 minutes per game over that span. Even when Karasev gets to see the court, he makes for an avoidable option across all fantasy formats.

Karasev missed his lone shot attempt (0-1 3Pt) while dishing one assist in 12 minutes during the Nets' 109-90 loss to the Grizzlies on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Karasev has 26 points in 150 minutes over the course of the entire season, and the 22-year-old Russian is averaging just six minutes per appearance. As a result, he can safely be left on the waiver wire unless or until he starts to earn more time.