June 11, 2007
Mo' Money, Mo' Problems for Wizards and Agent Zero
Gilbert Arenas pulled a trick out of Kobe Bryant's PR playbook over the weekend, trying to worm his way back into the NBA spotlight (during the Finals no less) by informing everyone that he intends to exercise his player option after next season and look to sign a new, more lucrative contract extension. But don't worry folks, it's just business.
"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," Arenas told the The Washington Post.
To his credit, Arenas has not said he is looking to leave Washington, he just wants to be paid what he's worth. And that's the rub. Agent Zero showed last year he's one of the 15 best players in the NBA. In order to compete for a title, Arenas needs help. But the Wizards (or any other club for that matter) will be hampered in their efforts to surround Agent Zero with the talent needed to get to the mountain top if he's taking up 25% of the salary cap all by his lonesome.
It's worth noting that the San Antonio Spurs, in the NBA Finals for the third time in five years, aren't even in the top 10 in NBA team payrolls. They are where they are because they're smart with their money. You can't buy your way to the title in the NBA. Just ask the Knicks.
So where does this leave the Wizards? Between the proverbial rock and a hard place. They can either pay him his money or watch him leave. Even worse, they could make a panic move and mortgage their future for a chance to win right now. It's also worth noting that GM Ernie Grunfeld has been more than happy to let talent go to other teams rather than overpay (Larry Hughes and Jared Jeffries say "Hi"). Stay tuned.
Photo by Kyle Gustafson
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As much as I hate to say this, I think you have to let him walk. I don't see him pulling a Tom Brady and taking less money for the sake of the team. I think Arenas is the best thing to happen to DC sports and the NBA in a long time and is a true role model. Even so, unless he can see that the team will falter even as he prospers, they have to let him go.
Larry Hughes is one of the biggest reasons the Cavs have no shot at winning the Finals right now, its a good thing the Wiz are not overpaying him.
Grunfeld has said that he would like to see Gilbert retire a Wizard. I read this to mean that he will give Gil a max salary when the time comes. Although I love his play and his personality, I do not think Gil is the type of player who can lead a team to a championship. But he sells jerseys and seats, so I do not think this is of concern to the front office.
Thank god for the Knicks. Everybody looks better by comparison. I didn't realize they were still paying Allan Houston money, much less 20 million for this season.
I say pay him to keep him around. It seems like every time we let someone go; they get better.
www.lavatorylady.blogspot.com
I think they need to trade antwaun and gravis hays and brendan haywood and the first round puick and get the jared jack and the first round pick from the portland trail blazers so the can either get oden or durrant
You guys just don't get it. Anybody would do what Gil is gonna do. Let me put it this way: 90 mil is > 60 mil....no? By signing an extension on his current contract, the max he could make would be $60 million for 3 years. But by opting out, he will be able to get a 5 year, maybe 6 year deal worth $90-100 million. This doesn't mean anything with regards to Gil leaving DC, it just means he doesn't want to throw away $30 million. Can you blame him, or D-Wade, or Lebron, or the countless other stars who have done the same thing in the past? I can't.
I think Arenas skills is one of the good things that has happened to Washingtion DC, DC Sports & Entertainment. I have watched alomst every Wizard's games and believe me, this young man has done everything in his capacity to deserve what is worthy of keeping him in Washington. Let's be encouraging and provide him with what he so deserved.