Truth & Rumors > NBA

Arenas opts out, tests market

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Gilbert Arenas said he opted out of the final year of his contract with the Washington Wizards by filing the necessary paperwork with the league office Friday. The move makes Arenas, who was scheduled to earn $12.8 million next season, an unrestricted free agent. Teams will be able to negotiate with free agents July 1. Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld has repeatedly stated that the team plans to re-sign Arenas and all-star forward Antawn Jamison, who will also be an unrestricted free agent. Arenas has said that he will seek a maximum-level long-term contract, one that could cover up to six years and be worth more than $120 million. However, Arenas has also said that he would be willing to take less if it helps the team retain Jamison and make other moves to improve.

Washington Post

Gilbert Arenas, Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Gilbert Arenas, Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
June 10, 2008  07:11 AM ET

he could play backcourt wit wade

June 10, 2008  07:12 AM ET

draft beasley get arenas
arenas
wade
beasley
marion
blount

June 10, 2008  07:29 AM ET

do think they have the no. 1 pick that you are sure that they can get beasley??? think of it dumbo! and remember that marions contract is at 17million this season, wade is at 15million mac may maybe for this season... and blount is at 8million... and who else have more dollars? and do you think miami will offer arenas what he's asking for which is max contract? or they will offer him at least 15 million a year? i dont think so!

June 10, 2008  07:35 AM ET

thats 15+17+15+8 ===== 55million... four players for the CAP? i dont think so again... who else is under contract... there is no way they can get arenas except on sign and trade with the number 2 pick + players..

June 10, 2008  07:44 AM ET

Still think the Wizards would be crazy to let this guy. he's a prolific scorer and closer of games that every teams need.

June 10, 2008  08:10 AM ET

He's going to need to back off that number if he wants them to be able to keep Jamison and make other moves to improve.

June 10, 2008  08:13 AM ET

Dear Ernie Grunfeld,

Please don't pony up 15 mill for 5 years for brokedown Gilbert! He's a less healthy, less tatt'ed up version of AI. either sign and trade him to the heat for the #2 pick to get Beasley or re up Jamison, sign TJ Ford and take the coin you have left and get a #4 who can get 10+ boards, 2 blocks and 8-12 points. If Wiz could offer out to Boozer or Smith from the Hawks w/ Brokedown's salary slot they would be a much better team. Last 2 years proved having a pass first PG is what the wizards need more than Brokedown.

June 10, 2008  08:15 AM ET

I hate to say this but lets not hope that he's a Sprewell in the making

June 10, 2008  09:02 AM ET

he's not spreewell, he's just a little bit stupid...........

- not for opting out- that may or may not be a good move-

June 10, 2008  09:13 AM ET

he wont get the money he is looking for.
he wont end up with any moe then $10mil a year over 5 years

June 10, 2008  09:29 AM ET

Gilbert Arenas is good for two things, taking up salary cap space and taking ill-advised shots. If you're goal is winning a championship, Gilbert Arenas is not the player you want.

June 10, 2008  09:29 AM ET

i think he'll get ever bit that he is looking for and the wizards will probably pay it.

June 10, 2008  09:35 AM ET

I am sure he can be a singer if it does not work out...lol. good player but no common sense... hurts a team with his lack of any maturity or common sense. I am sure somebody will take the risk..

June 10, 2008  09:37 AM ET

I used to really admire this guy but clearly he has made some weird decisions and comments.. he can play if healthy.

June 10, 2008  09:42 AM ET

Worst time ever to get hurt though. He better be healthy. Last time I remember anyone bringing in a player who "just got healthy" was Orlando with Grant Hill.

June 10, 2008  09:51 AM ET

Dude can't get a $120 million contract and expect the Wiz to resign Jamison too. If he takes less, they can resign Jamison and maybe add some frontcourt depth, which is where they are lacking. Do these dudes want to win in the NBA anymore, or just get ridiculous money? Why can't he accept something like a 5 yr- 80 million deal. He would still be making 26 mil a year and they could sign other players.

June 10, 2008  09:52 AM ET

I'd love to see the Raptors sign this guy and get rid of TJ Ford.

June 10, 2008  10:09 AM ET

Minnesota? No?

June 10, 2008  10:10 AM ET

mdemby-
I think your #'s are a little off......

 
June 10, 2008  10:11 AM ET

Dude can't get a $120 million contract and expect the Wiz to resign Jamison too. If he takes less, they can resign Jamison and maybe add some frontcourt depth, which is where they are lacking. Do these dudes want to win in the NBA anymore, or just get ridiculous money? Why can't he accept something like a 5 yr- 80 million deal. He would still be making 26 mil a year and they could sign other players.

mdemby | 06/10/08, 09:51 AM

80 mil / 5yrs = 16 mil/yr

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