The Washington Wizards' summer has already gotten off to a rocky start, as superstar scorer Gilbert Arenas has decided to opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent. Arenas was scheduled to make $12.5 million next season, but he decided he'd much rather test the free agency waters. And he certainly didn't waste any time. Arenas had until June 20 to file the necessary paperwork with the NBA, but his quick trigger would seem to indicate his decision had been made long ago. Teams will now be able to negotiate with Arenas beginning July 1.
The 26-year-old Arenas is a three-time All-Star and has averaged 22.8 points and 5.5 assists throughout his seven-year career. Unfortunately, Arenas has run into some knee injuries of late, having undergone two knee surgeries since April 2007. This past season, Arenas appeared in only 13 games, averaging 19.4 points. It's been rumored Arenas is seeking a long-term contract worth maximum salary cap value. However, he has stated he'd be willing to take less money to stay with the Wizards if they also re-sign his friend Antawn Jamison.
Washington Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld was hardly surprised by Arenas' decision to test free agency. Grunfeld expected the move all along and sees it as little more than a formality. Grunfeld doesn't believe the decision will necessarily hinder the Wizards from re-signing Arenas, although the prospects of doing so would certainly seem less likely now that other teams will be making their own lucrative offers.
