[/quote]Washington Post - Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas said last night that he will opt out of his contract after next season and become a free agent. Arenas, who signed a six-year, $65 million contract in the summer of 2003, said his decision is based on family and business concerns rather than feelings about the direction in which the Wizards are headed as an organization. "To me, it's just a smarter business decision to play next season, opt out and then be able to sign a long-term deal that is going to keep me in one place," said Arenas, who is recovering from left knee surgery and expects to be at full speed in time for training camp in October. "I'm not looking at anything else. It's just business. If something happens where they don't want me or they're going in a different direction, I can look elsewhere. But my intentions are not to leave." Arenas also said he does not plan on hiring an agent. He parted ways with agent Dan Fegan last summer. "I don't need an agent," Arenas said. "I can do all of this research myself."http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives..._of_deal_in_08/[/quote]EDIT: Nvm...topic was already created..just merge this with the one with the one in the Wizards sectionWow this is shocking I can't believe he would do this after such a good season. Caron Butler is a pretty good sidekick. I don't get it.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Wow this is shocking I can't believe he would do this after such a good season. Caron Butler is a pretty good sidekick. I don't get it.</div>Two words. Gilbert Arenas.Wanted to add, it is actually a smart move by Arenas. I don't see Wiz doing a whole lot and this we'll be his last big payday.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Rok @ Jun 10 2007, 12:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Two words. Gilbert Arenas.Wanted to add, it is actually a smart move by Arenas. I don't see Wiz doing a whole lot and this we'll be his last big payday.</div>Wanted to add, you're an idiot.
He said that he doesn't want to leave Washington. He is probably just going to opt out, and get a long term contract with the wizards. Whatever.
Well leave it to a Wiz fan who thinks the Wiz be championship contenders over the next few years. Do I see them as a playoff contender, yes but besides that I don't see them winning anything. If I'm an idiot because I don't see that, then yes I am.
It's a smart business move. No need to elaborate here.On the basketball side of it, I doubt he will find a much better situation. Wizardsa have a nice, young core, and really aren't too far off. I doubt Arenas will find a better situation, basketball wise, than the Wizards and still get the money he will be demanding.
I agree that this is a smart business move, I just don't like the fact that he made it public a year before he opts out. I know he's not the first to do it, but I just don't like that notion in general.
He just wants people to know before-hand, so it isnt a huge distraction on whether he is or isnt, in the middle of the season.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MrBigShot_23 @ Jun 10 2007, 06:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>He just wants people to know before-hand, so it isnt a huge distraction on whether he is or isnt, in the middle of the season.</div>Yeah, this way it'll just be a distraction the whole season.I think what I said makes sense. He wants people to clear up some cap this off season so that they can pick him up next season (or at least so he has more options).
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Justice @ Jun 10 2007, 09:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Yeah, this way it'll just be a distraction the whole season.I think what I said makes sense. He wants people to clear up some cap this off season so that they can pick him up next season (or at least so he has more options).</div>Yes, like the Magic. They have a good amount of cap this off-season, and if they saved it and picked up a little more, they could give a hefty offer to Arenas. Then Arenas would be on a team heading in a great direction that could definatly contend with Arenas running point, and Howard downlow. That could end up being one option...
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pacers fan forever @ Jun 11 2007, 11:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>^what a worthless post. he didn't even tell us why</div>Oh, you must feel hard. Everyone watch out for the 14 year old that no one even respects on the board.
I like the idea of Arenas going to the Magic. Gil and Howard would be a dangerous duo that would be hard to contain.
Arenas would be a great free agent pick. He isnt the best player ever but any team with a weak offense he could easily take over. What if the Blazers could get him next season? They are well within their cap last as far as I know and why wouldnt a star pg wanna play with Greg Oden,Brandon Roy,and Lemarcus Alridge?
I think the Gilbert to the Magic idea would be good, but I don't think it would improve them that much, honestly. They're losing Grant Hill, who is much more important than he seems, imo. They were only an 8 seed this year who got swept first round. I think they'd need to sign some other pieces besides just GA to have a chance.
