Gilbert Arenas is known for being one of the stranger dudes in the league, but his most recent statements about his contract might be considered downright crazy. You may remember that Wizards fans everywhere had initially freaked out at the thought of Gilbert opting out, before realizing that he probably would just re-sign with Washington for max money. Now, with Gilbert missing almost a season-and-a-half due to two knee surgeries, he's incredibly still talking about opting out of his contract.
"Yes," Arenas said. "I'm still gonna be the No. 1 free agent. I mean, on a bad leg I average 22.
"The contract is not the reason for coming back," he explained. "The contract is what is on my mind when I'm thinking about coming back. Let's be real. If I get hurt again, who's gonna want to pay somebody who's had three knee surgeries? So that's the part that's going in the back of my head right now."
Gilbert wonders who's going to pay someone who's had three knee surgeries, but I'm wondering if a team is going to be willing to pay someone with two. We're not talking about a huge difference in dollars, as Arenas would earn $12.8M next season if he didn't opt out, and about $14M if he did, on a new six-year deal. But with Gilbert missing so much time and the way his knee reacted when he first tried to come back this season, I'm guessing that Washington will be the only team interested in signing him at that price.
ADVERTISEMENT
_thumbnail.jpg "NASCAR Cowboy Hats")
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 1)
1. Come on Cavs..Let's pick up Gilbert!!!
Posted at 2:26PM on Mar 5th 2008 by Trent
2. as a long time bullets fan, I just dont care anymore, leave. maybe well get somebody who, you know, actaully plays a few games.
Posted at 6:04PM on Mar 5th 2008 by cold school
3. Gibert Arenas is a 39% shooter, ball hog, plays no D, and is coming off 2 knee operations....let him go, heck, show him the door!
Posted at 9:03PM on Mar 5th 2008 by Shevon Kelly
4. Orlando got burned a few years ago when they signed an injured Grant Hill to a ridiculous mult-year contract. Hill had several ankle surgeries and hardly played at all the few years he was there, but was still making about $9 million a year. Any team that would cough up the money for Arenas now is crazy.
Posted at 1:26AM on Mar 6th 2008 by Bob