Wizards Deny Gilbert Arenas Trade Rumors

Ted Leonsis flatly denied a rumor that was making the rounds quite a bit yesterday. From the WaPo: “Wizards owner Ted Leonsis shot down an Internet rumor on Wednesday that the team has engaged in discussions with the Orlando Magic about a possible trade involving Gilbert Arenas. Leonsis also hoped to quell the perception that the team is looking to move the three-time all-star. Leonsis has been adamant that the Wizards have no plans to move Arenas, saying last month that ‘Gilbert is not going anywhere.’ In his e-mail, Leonsis said that he ‘really likes and respects’ Arenas and ‘there are no trade discussions going on. The team is trying to rebuild and Gilbert is one of the leaders on the team,’ Leonsis wrote. ‘Gilbert is the best player on the team right now.’ The Magic blog Orlando Pinstriped Post reported that the Wizards and Magic have kept an ongoing dialogue about Arenas. Leonsis wrote in an e-mail, ‘It isn’t true. I wouldn’t tell you if it was true but I am telling you that it is not true.’ A league source said on Wednesday that the Magic is open to making roster upgrades, with targets including Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Arenas, given his connection with Magic General Manager Otis Smith. The Wizards contacted the Magic last summer about trading Arenas for Vince Carter’s expiring contract, but the conversation didn’t get very far. The source, though, said the talks were never totally dead.”