Recently Gilbert Arenas announced that he'd be opting out of his current contract at the end of next season. Immediately, all of D.C. gasped collectively, in fear that Agent Zero is leaning towards leaving the Wizards.
Listen, just because someone opts out doesn't mean that they plan on leaving their current team. What it usually means is that the player is worthy of more money and is just jumping at the opportunity to earn more. Gilbert is one of the top players in the league, and as such, the Wizards will happily pay him the maximum amount of money he can make over a six year period. For example if Arenas doesn't opt out before the start of the 08-09 season, he'll make $12.8M for one more year. However, if he opts out he can re-sign for a maximum of six years starting at $15-16M in the first season with 10.5% raises each season thereafter. Even if he was planning to stay with the Wizards for his entire career, it's just smart business to make more money when you can.
What should really let you know that Gilbert doesn't plan on going anywhere is the fact that he doesn't plan on hiring an agent to handle the transaction. Wizards fans should start to worry if Gilbert hires an agent, as that would be a sign that he is looking to take his services elsewhere. Although rather simple to re-sign with the same team for the max, things get a little bit more complicated when try to sign elsewhere or when you are trying to play two teams against one another.
Going into his free agency in the summer of 2006, Ben Wallace initially planned on negotiating his deal on his own. He figured he'd be back with Detroit no matter what and that he really didn't need an agent to handle anything for him. Then when it became clear that he might need to look elsewhere, he hired super agent Arn Tellem. If Gil pulls a similar move, Wizards fans will actually have a reason to be concerned. But until then, squash all of this Gil might leave us noise.
Previously at Fanhouse:
Tears in Washington: Arenas to Test Free Agent Market in 2008
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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Someone reporting sensibly on the Gil non-situation is just what the blogosphere needed.
Posted at 2:40PM on Jun 11th 2007 by Unsilent Majority
2. Sorry, you guys are kidding yourself. This is one of the most self-aware, competitive players in the game today. He sees what's going on with Kobe right now. Do you really think if Bryant had the chance to opt out of his contract this summer he would just default sign the max with L.A. No. Gilbert sees what's happening to Kobe and LeBron. He's going to let the free agent hype machine reach new heights, find a place where he has a chance to win a title and become the next mega superstar. He can still make max dollars by forcing a sign and trade. What's to negotiate when you're the biggest free agent available in years? He just has to say, I want to play in (Fill in the blank) and the deal with get done.
Posted at 4:11PM on Jun 11th 2007 by Nick
3. I thought he had some hard feelings towards the Washington front office? I think he wants to move on.
Posted at 7:48AM on Jun 12th 2007 by Carrousel Yacht
4. Did you hear that Jim Rome is going to be back on air in DC? I think hes starting July 16th on 106.7 Wjfk from 1-3pm.
Posted at 11:19AM on Jul 5th 2007 by doug