Arenas Wants to Stay in Washington
He might not be on the court all that much this season, but Gilbert Arenas’s shadow continues to loom large over the Washington Wizards. He’s obviously their best player, and despite their recent success, no one is seriously expecting them to do much with him out of the lineup.
The good news, though, is that Gilbert sounds like he wants to stick around D.C. for a long time. From the Washington Times:
“If everything goes like it’s supposed to, I’m going to re-sign here,” Arenas said in a telephone interview. “If everything goes well I’m going to re-sign, we’re going to build something and hopefully my number one day will go up in the rafters.”
The above statement will surely come as a relief for Wiz fans, who had a bit of a heart attack when Arenas sounded non-committal before this season started about staying in Washington. Gilbert will opt out of his current deal next summer.
15 Responses to “Arenas Wants to Stay in Washington”
Nov.23 at 2:48 pm
Ron says:
First and foremost, let’s see how that knee heals. If the knee is going to become an ongoing problem, he might get the money he’s expecting.
Nov.23 at 2:52 pm
Hoop Dreamz says:
Obama/Arenas ‘08!!!! Oh wait, I’m from Canada… JAMARIO MOON FOR PRIME MINISTER!!!!
Nov.23 at 2:53 pm
Hoop Dreamz says:
Sorry, that was off topic
Nov.23 at 2:53 pm
Captain America says:
“if everything goes well..” is a big caveat. This is just the first volley in the negotiating process. It sounds like he has set his marker with ownership.
Nov.23 at 3:12 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Opting out of his contract after missing almost an entire season following his second knee surgery in less than a year doesn’t sound like the smartest idea in the world.
Nov.23 at 3:32 pm
Ken says:
Yeah, as a Grant Hill fan, I get nervous when I hear/see charismatic, talented all-star players coming off repeated surgeries on the same joint talking about signing major contract extensions.
Nov.23 at 3:34 pm
Rasheedionics says:
Thank you Russ. Gil’s value is at the lowest point right now. He would have to come back really strong this year and lead the Wizards deep into playoffs for him to get his true market value (whatever that might be at this point).
Nov.23 at 3:39 pm
Captain America says:
It’s not what we think of the market value of Gil, but what the “market” thinks of Gil’s value. This will not be known until he is open to the “market” (assuming he tests). Once he recoups, passes physicals, takes his shots, the “market” will be his.
Nov.23 at 3:44 pm
Captain America says:
Reading how Gil describes it, this is not a new injury per se but an aftermath of his last injury caused by him trying to push himself too soon. Besides, I don’t know of anyone in the league today who can market himself better than Gil. He fills seats with his personality and skills. MJ and Shaq did pretty good in earlier times.
Nov.23 at 4:22 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Would you sign him to a long-term max money contract right now? Undersized two-guard coming off of two knee surgeries (including the dreaded m-word?). Who even has cap room this summer? If the Wizards give him the max, they’re only bidding against themselves. Wouldn’t they be better off keeping their options open until the big names hit the market?
Nov.23 at 10:25 pm
Captain America says:
Nothing will happen contact wise until Gil is deemed physically fit. This includes the Wizards and any other club. But, once Gil demonstrates being back in playing shape, not us but the market will determine his value. If he’s back and lights out again, the fun begins.
Nov.23 at 10:28 pm
Captain America says:
As for tactics, the Wizards are forced to make an initial offer. Unfortunately, Gil and his agent will only use this as an ante for the other clubs. This scenario has played itself out so many times it’s disgusting.
Nov.24 at 12:37 am
Doug Brown says:
Free Agency, Rashard Lewis. Noone takes a chance on Gil for max money? Give me a bresk. Knee or no knee, someone will take Gil bigtime cash.
Nov.24 at 12:38 am
Doug Brown says:
Give me a bresk, awesome.
Nov.25 at 7:20 am
Sesa says:
Kobe for Arenas anyone?