Gilbert Arenas said long ago that he was opting out of his current contract, but he would re-sign with the Wizards if the team kept Antawn Jamison. Now it looks like Agent Zero has had a change of heart.. Or is this Gilbert being Gilbert?

From the Washington Post:

Arenas has said that he will seek a maximum-level long-term contract, one that could cover up to six years and be worth more than $120 million. However, Arenas has also said that he would be willing to take less if it helps the team retain Jamison and make other moves to improve.

I’m not an NBA general manager but I play one on this blog, and there’s no way I’m giving max money to a guy coming of two knee surgeries. I’d sign him if he wants to take the home team discount and keep Washington’s good young nucleus together, but building around Arenas at $120 mil doesn’t come off as a good investment.

Gilbert Arenas, NBA, Washington Wizards, Antawn Jamison

You’ll have to consider the source on this one but according to Gilbert Arenas, he’s staying in Washington when he opts out of his contract this summer. Arenas is one of the top prizes in the 2008 free agent pool that could feature Allen Iverson, Ron Artest, Baron Davis, Jermaine O’Neal, Elton Brand, and more. That was, until he took himself out of the mix.

“I want to see Antawn (Jamison) taken care of first and then, I’ll take a pay cut to keep the team intact“.

“We’ve been together six out of my seven years so we have an understanding. We know what it’s in jeopardy so, you know, I told him whatever he wants, give it to him, and I’ll take the pay cut. I know what he does. He’s a part of my success and I’m a part of his success so we have this one-two combination that works in this league. We know we make each other better. Someone has to sacrifice. This might be one of his last contracts so I’ll sacrifice and hopefully, I’ll get another one at the end of the day. And if I don’t, I know I did the right thing“

.

Good move by Agent Zero because.. He’s doing his part to keep the team together instead of chasing the money. He’s being a leader, and serving the greater good rather than the individual need. It’s a bad move because at 26 with multiple knee injuries there’s no guarantee that Gil’s gonna pick up the money on the back end. It shouldn’t matter because if Gilbert Arenas follows through, he is money.

Wiz at Lakers, Gilbert at it again. Courtesy of the Washington Post

Tags: Gilbert Arenas, NBA, Washington Wizards, 2008 Free Agents, Antawn Jamison