Let me start off by saying I would never give anyone back $16 million. Also, I have no problem with Gilbert Arenas making more than $100 million over six years -- I was ecstatic when hearing a rumor my favorite team had offered him the max. Finally, Gil has shown to be one of the most generous NBA stars alive, giving away his jerseys, his shoes, and his time to fans constantly. He's a hero.That said, his $16-million discount -- very warm, very generous for him -- does it even actually help the Wizards on the court? The surprising answer ... yes! (It's surprising because we're a cynical people.) The Washington Post's Ivan Carter reports the structure of the deal should allow the 'Zards to sign a player to the full mid-level and vet's exceptions. Had Arenas taken the max, the full mid-level would have thrust the team into luxury tax territory, which isn't going to happen. So the team can add a piece with this move.
What piece will it be? Carter offers up current 'Zard Roger Mason (he wouldn't technically take the mid-level, but would use up some of the luxury tax cushion) and roaming man James Posey. And Gil's got an extra pitch to make from whomever Washington targets.
"I want to win a championship here in D.C. I want to have a parade that goes right past the White House. Me and Barack Obama. How cool would that be? I really think that with the players we already have and with a couple of moves, we can do it."Besides maybe Spencer Hawes, who wouldn't want to parade past President Obama? That might be a better pull than Baron Davis.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-04-2008 @ 12:12PM
Martin said...
He will be giving up a lot more than $16 Million if he's parading past President Obama, unless Obama exempts athletes from his proposed tax increases.
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7-04-2008 @ 2:58PM
KJR said...
Actually, intelligent wealthy people care much more about the strength of the economy and budget deficits than they do about a 2-3% increase in marginal tax rates on income. Executive salaries (and those of top athletes, entertainers, etc.) have gone up more than 2 to the fifth times (i.e. 32 times) over the past 20 years (which completely dwarves any small increase in marginal tax rates). Nobody benefits more from a thriving economy than the very wealthy. This is why the wealthiest and smartest people in our country -- Buffett, Gates, Soros, et. al. all favor sensible tax policy and a balanced budget. No one has done more damage to the American economy than the current administration. Gil is a smart guy. The only people who support current policy are mid-level income earners -- mortgage brokers, condo flippers, small business owners (nail salons, pet supplies, that sort of thing) who prefer $500 billion spent in Iraq, $4 gas, $350 billion budget deficits, trillions lost in housing, but an extra 2-3% tax reduction on earnings in excess of $250k. No thanks. I prefer a strong economy to support job creation and the dollar, and to support the $100 trillion in assets that constitute most of this nation's wealth. When the troops start coming home, the price of oil will drop, and the stock market will soar. Obama is by far the best choice of the current two candidates.
Oh yeah -- go Celtics! Maggette, Posey, C. Andersen, G. Pruitt, Powe, Baby, JR Giddens and Bill Walker (14 and 15), and the starting five. Celtics are once again odds-on favorites.
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7-05-2008 @ 10:11AM
Martin said...
Only someone from the state that continues to elect Ted Kennedy could have such a mixed up idea of both economic theory and basketball.
The worst thing one can do in a recession is raise taxes. That was the reason why Congress just gave everyone a tax refund.
And the Celtics will not repeat. The Lakers will be earning the championship rings for the next several years.
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7-06-2008 @ 4:13AM
claytor said...
Sure, thats realistic enough...one team in the age of parity is going to win the next 26 championships, yo! Kobes gonna run the show even when he reaches 54, b!
And stop babbling about politics, you sound even dumber there. You HAVE to raise taxes to make up for all the the spending/embezzling/stealing from the past eight that placed us in such a monstrous defecit.
Or let me guess, the defecit repair fairies will take of that, hm?
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7-06-2008 @ 9:11AM
Martin said...
claytor- You might want to learn to use a dictionary. Last time I looked, "several" didn't mean "26".
P.S. Do the country a favor and read a book on elementary economics before you vote. A growing economy does cure a deficit. Why do you think there was bi-partisan support for the tax rebate?
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