Washington Wizards Trade Rumors

Josh Howard wants to return to Washington Wizards next season
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March 12
Washington Post
 
"After leading the Washington Wizards to a shocking 10-point victory over the Denver Nuggets nearly three weeks ago, Josh Howard reached into his locker room stall and picked up an all-white Washington Nationals baseball cap. Howard explained how much he liked the curly W logo and that he had bought a few Nats hats in different colors long before the Dallas Mavericks made him a District resident in a trade. "I got a whole bunch of these," Howard said, flashing his crooked grin as he twisted the slightly oversize cap around his head. "You'll see." Howard had hoped to make wins and his assortment of Nats caps a regular postgame sight, but that was the last time he would play a game at ..."
Zydrunas Ilgauskas' agent says the center plans on rejoining Cleveland Cavaliers
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March 5
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"He's back. Or at least he wants to be. In a move sure to delight Cavaliers fans, Zydrunas Ilgauskas has announced his intentions to rejoin the team and has asked agent Herb Rudoy to begin negotiations with the Cavs on March 22, the first date he can do so. "It is Zydrunas' desire to return to the Cavaliers if a suitable contract can be agreed upon," Rudoy said in an e-mail to reporters. "He has been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the outpouring of support and affection by the fans and by his teammates. He hopes to return to bring a championship to the Cavaliers and to the city of Cleveland.""
Formal return of Zydrunas Ilgauskas may not come quickly
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March 4
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Slow down, Cavaliers fans. Slow down. It is obvious from your calls, letters and emails how much you miss Zydrunas Ilgauskas and how much you want him back. The volume of communication has picked up since Shaquille O'Neal went out with his injured right thumb. While the Cavs share your opinion and seem to have made some progress in wooing Ilgauskas back to Cleveland, it's entirely possible than any announcement of an agreement won't be until much closer to the March 22 date that he is eligible to re-sign with the Cavs. No, he can't sign before that. No, he can't work out with the team until after he signs -- even though he is a free agent after being bought out and waived by the Wizards. ..."
Arenas would have "no problem" playing for Wizards
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March 3
Washington Post
 
"Since pleading guilty to a felony gun charge and receiving a subsequent season-ending suspension from the NBA, Gilbert Arenas has done what most thought he was incapable of achieving: He has maintained a low profile. Other than a brief comment about his suspension and an opinion piece in The Washington Post, Arenas hasn't said much of anything publicly. But on Tuesday, Arenas told the Associated Press that he would have "no problem" playing for the Washington Wizards again. In the days and weeks after he received an indefinite suspension following his behavior and comments in Philadelphia in early January, Arenas had been telling those close to him that he had no desire to play for team ..."
Cavaliers reach out to Zydrunas Ilgauskas, reportedly he wants to return to team
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March 3
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Just in case he'd forgotten, the Cavaliers gave Zydrunas Ilgauskas a collective hug over the past two days. The actions might have him on the cusp of making a commitment to become a Cav once again. According to league sources, shortly after Ilgauskas cleared waivers and became a free agent Monday afternoon, the team swung into action. After not speaking with him since he was traded Feb. 17, Cavs General Manager Danny Ferry flew to New York after being with Shaquille O'Neal for his thumb surgery in Baltimore on Monday morning. Sources said Ferry met with Ilgauskas, who has been working out for the past week in New York, where he maintains an off-season home. It is believed Ferry made ..."
Zydrunas Ilgauskas will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to a report
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March 1
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"A source has told Marc Stein of ESPN.com that center Zydrunas Ilgauskas will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers as soon as NBA rules allow. Ilgauskas was a Cavalier since he was drafted by Cleveland in 1996, until he was traded to the Washington Wizards on Feb. 17 as part of a three-team trade that landed veteran forward Antawn Jamison with the Cavaliers. Ilgauskas and Washington worked out a buyout of his contract and he was waived on Thursday, making him a free agent. Writes Stein for ESPN.com: Dallas Mavericks representatives declined formal comment Sunday, but one source briefed on the discussions told ESPN.com that Ilgauskas' agent, Herb Rudoy, has informed the Mavericks that Ilgauskas ..."
Ilgauskas free of Wizards; Cavs far from alone in effort to sign him
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February 26
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Zydrunas Ilgauskas said last week his heart was still in Cleveland. But teams are now tugging at his pocket to lure him elsewhere. Ilgauskas and the Washington Wizards formalized a buyout of his contract Thursday and he was placed on waivers. He will be an unrestricted free agent by next week when he clears waivers. He will not make a decision on his future before then. But the bidding for Ilgauskas, a desirable veteran big man with playoff experience, is heating up and the Cavaliers are only one of the players. Several teams are aggressively pursuing Ilgauskas and are showing interest by creating a mini bidding war, according to league sources. Several teams are offering multiyear deals ..."
Nuggets among teams courting Ilgauskas
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February 26
Denver Post
 
"The steps have been taken for Zydrunas Ilgauskas to sign with a new team. The question is whether it will be a new team. On Thursday, the Wizards finalized the Ilgauskas buyout and waived the 7-foot-3 veteran center, who is now deciding between a return to the Cavaliers — the team that traded him to Washington last week — or another contender, possibly the Nuggets, who are making a strong push to bolster their bigs with "Big Z." The center's agent, Herb Rudoy, said the process could take up to a week. Ilgauskas can sign with any team right now but must wait 30 days to rejoin the Cavaliers. "He knows I would love for him to be back here," Cleveland forward LeBron James told reporters ..."
Ilgauskas free of Wizards; Cavs far from alone in effort to sign him
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February 26
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Zydrunas Ilgauskas said last week his heart was still in Cleveland. But teams are now tugging at his pocket to lure him elsewhere. Ilgauskas and the Washington Wizards formalized a buyout of his contract Thursday and he was placed on waivers. He will be an unrestricted free agent by next week when he clears waivers. He will not make a decision on his future before then. But the bidding for Ilgauskas, a desirable veteran big man with playoff experience, is heating up and the Cavaliers are only one of the players. Several teams are aggressively pursuing Ilgauskas and are showing interest by creating a mini bidding war, according to league sources. Several teams are offering multiyear deals ..."
Ilgauskas buyout complete, waived by Wizards
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February 25
Washington Examiner
 
"Late this morning the Washington Wizards officially waived Zydrunas Ilgauskas after completing their anticipated buyout of the 7-foot-3 center. With the Wizards already under the luxury tax after trading away Dominic McGuire last week, Big Z had to pay $1.5 million for his freedom, according to a source familiar with the terms of the deal. "He's got a year left, maybe this year, maybe he'll play next year, and I just think that he's not a guy - [Wizards president of basketball operations] Ernie [Grunfeld] talked to him more than me - and he wanted to be in a situation, whatever it is, wherever he decides to go, he wanted to have a chance to be in a playoff-type situation," said Wizards ..."
Rivals' protests aside, Ilgauskas would just be the latest NBA player to exploit trade/buyout option
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February 25
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"It's a loophole that was put in place to prevent a loophole. And if all goes according to plan (at least for Cleveland fans), the loophole's loophole will be exploited, once again. And Zydrunas Ilgauskas will re-sign with the Cavaliers on March 21, the first day he is eligible to do so. But why does he have to wait 30 days in the first place? To prevent exactly that from happening, it turns out. The "30-day" clause was added to the most recent NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement when it was ratified in 2005, and in essence was meant to serve as a deterrent to players re-signing with the team that just traded them. So instead of allowing players to immediately rejoin the team they departed ..."
Zydrunas Ilgauskas' agent says buyout terms have been reached with Washington Wizards
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February 25
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Zydrunas Ilgauskas isn't a Cavalier, but he's soon no longer going to be a Washington Wizard. The Wizards and Ilgauskas agreed to terms on a buyout of his contract Wednesday night and all that is left to be done is paperwork to be finalized. "We're very close," Herb Rudoy, Ilgauskas' agent, said via e-mail. "I hope to finish it up (Thursday) morning." A source said Ilgauskas got the deal done by agreeing to give back around $1.3 million to the Wizards from his $11.5 million salary. He will be able to recoup that by signing with another team if he so chooses. Once the buyout becomes official, the Wizards will put the veteran center on waivers. He will clear waivers 48 hours later because no ..."
League source says NBA would not ban Ilgauskas' return to Cleveland
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February 23
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"A high-ranking NBA source denied a report that the league would prevent Zydrunas Ilgauskas from returning to the Cavaliers if he is bought out by the Washington Wizards. The source, who requested anonymity because the league typically does not comment on what is essentially a personnel matter, told The Plain Dealer there was no truth to a report from the Los Angeles Times claiming the NBA would try to block Ilgauskas' return because the deal was previously agreed upon by the teams. There has been no evidence of any such agreement. "There was no prior agreement with the Cavs, and there is no possible reason to prevent Z from returning to the Cavs if he decides to do so," said agent Herb ..."
Ilgauskas agent: There was no prior agreement
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February 22
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Herb Rudoy, Zydrunas Ilgauskas' agent, was asked for his reponse to reports that the NBA might not allow his client to return to the Cavaliers when/if he is bought out by the Washington Wizards. The L.A. Times quoted an unnamed source as saying that the NBA might void such a move if it finds evidence of a previous arrangment between the parties. "My response is that there was no prior agreement with the Cavs and there is no possible reason to prevent Z from returning to the Cavs if he decides to do so,'' Rudoy said. "We are not finished with the buyout and Z is considering all of his many options.''"
Rivals likely to make a bid for Zydrunas Ilgauskas once Wizards finalize buyout
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February 22
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"At some point in the near future, Zydrunas Ilgauskas is going to be a former Washington Wizard. As for becoming a Cavalier again, that part is up in the air. According to a source close to Ilgauskas, there was progress made over the weekend in buyout talks between the Wizards and Ilgauskas. It is possible an agreement could be reached as early as Monday or Tuesday. If that happens, the Wizards would put Ilgauskas on waivers. He would easily clear, as no team in the league has enough cap space to claim his contract, and he'd be an unrestricted free agent 48 hours later. There are at least four teams that will likely attempt to sign Ilgauskas, who has said he wants to play for a ..."
Wizards near buyout with Ilgauskas
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February 22
Yahoo! Sports
 columnist Adrian Wojnarowski
"Zydrunas Ilgauskas could reach agreement on a buyout with the Washington Wizards in the next couple days, his agent told Yahoo! Sports on Sunday. The bigger question is this: Will the NBA allow him to return to the Cleveland Cavaliers? Ilgauskas' agent, Herb Rudoy, said he was "hopeful" a buyout would be done by "Monday or Tuesday," after having discussions with Wizards general manager Ernie Grunfeld over the weekend."
Zydrunas Ilgauskas off to join Washington Wizards, unsure about return to Cleveland Cavaliers
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February 19
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Zydrunas Ilgauskas was on his way to the airport this morning, heading for Washington, D.C., and his new team, the Wizards. The thought of putting on a new jersey makes him almost queasy. And he'll have to wear No. 17, because the Wizards have retired his usual No. 11 in honor of Elvin Hayes. But that might be the smallest change facing the beloved long-time Cavs center, the franchise leader in games played, rebounds and blocked shots who was traded to the Wizards on Wednesday as part of the three-team deal that brought Antawn Jamison to the Cavaliers . It has been a tough three days for Ilgauskas. After a long practice on Wednesday, he spent two hours with some teammates at Cleveland ..."
Off court conduct may have led to Howard trade
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February 19
ESPN.com
 
"Forward Josh Howard missed a game because of a hangover, according to multiple team sources, adding to his list of questionable off-court conduct toward the end of his tenure with the Dallas Mavericks. Multiple team sources said Howard missed the Mavericks' Jan. 20 win over the Washington Wizards because of a hangover after a night of partying. That reaffirmed the Mavericks' intention to move forward without Howard, who did not start another game after sitting out against the Wizards, when he missed the morning shootaround and did not dress for that game. The Mavericks, who were already shopping Howard and wanted to protect his trade value, announced that he had a stomach illness. Howard, ..."
Ilgauskas out; future in doubt at this point
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February 19
Akron Beacon Journal
 
"In the hallway of Quicken Loans Arena that leads to the Cavaliers locker room, there are 13 framed photos of players on the roster. Yet it was the vacant black frame, where Zydrunas Ilgauskas' photo used to be positioned, that seemed to catch the eye of all who walked past. ''Z is part of the Wizards organization,'' Cavaliers General Manager Danny Ferry said Thursday in a news conference to announce the acquisition of former all-star forward Antawn Jamison. ''We made a trade yesterday. To get something good you have to give up something. It was a hard decision to make, but we feel like we are adding something to this team that can push us more.'' To hear Ilgauskas' name mentioned with any ..."
Zydrunas Ilgauskas' agent will seek quick buyout from Wizards
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February 18
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"In his last official act as a Cavalier -- at least in his first tour of duty -- Zydrunas Ilgauskas finished a three-hour practice and then led a delegation of players to the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital on Wednesday afternoon, when they went room-to-room visiting young fans. A few hours after saying hello to those youngsters, Ilgauskas was saying goodbye to Cleveland as the Cavs sent him to the Washington Wizards as part of the deal that will bring Antawn Jamison to Cleveland. "Z had a long day," agent Herb Rudoy said of his client, the Cavs all-time leader in games played, rebounds and blocks. As of 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Rudoy said he had not spoken to Wizards General Manager ..."
Injury has Mavs shopping for center
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February 18
ESPN.com
 
"With center Erick Dampier out for an extended period, a source said the Dallas Mavericks plan to pursue Zydrunas Ilgauskas if he receives a buyout from the Washington Wizards. Dampier underwent successful surgery Wednesday morning to repair an open dislocation of his right middle finger suffered late in Tuesday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. "He'll be out for a while," coach Rick Carlisle said. "I'm just not sure exactly how long.""
Sources: Jamison goes to Cavs
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February 17
ESPN.com
 
"Cleveland, Washington and the Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to a three-team deal that will land Antawn Jamison with the Cavaliers as LeBron James' new sidekick instead of Amare Stoudemire, according to NBA front-office sources. Sources told ESPN.com that the deal will also send Zydrunas Ilgauskas' $11.5 million expiring contract and a first-round draft pick from Cleveland to Washington. The deal also calls for the Wizards to receive Al Thornton from the Clippers, sources said, with L.A. getting forward Drew Gooden, whom Washington acquired in last week's trade with Dallas. Besides Jamison, Cleveland will also acquire Clippers guard Sebastian Telfair. Jamison left the arena in Washington ..."
Wizards now more willing to trade Jamison
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February 17
ESPN.com
 
"For weeks, sources close to the situation have asserted to ESPN.com that the Wizards were reluctant to trade Antawn Jamison. During the past 72 hours, however, the Wizards' position on Jamison appears to have softened considerably. Sources say the Wizards and Cavs had discussions on Tuesday about several potential deals that would send Jamison to Cleveland. The same sources said talks ended without a firm offer from Cleveland. As of Wednesday afternoon, the Wizards are waiting on the Cavs to see whether those potential deals become an actual trade. "The ball is in Cleveland's court," one source told ESPN.com. "If Cleveland comes back with a firm offer based on the potential deals they ..."
Stoudemire remains Cleveland Cavaliers' top target, but Jamison still a strong option
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February 17
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"The Cavaliers have made their calls, now they're waiting for their phone to ring. As the team headed into the eve of the NBA's trading deadline, sources indicated they had finalized and ranked their list of trade options. It includes input from the coaching staff, ownership and the team's veteran players, especially LeBron James. Their first choice is believed to be to trade for the Phoenix Suns' Amare Stoudemire, a deal they have been working on in earnest since last week. Their offer is centered around Zydrunas Ilgauskas and J.J. Hickson, but would likely include at least one more player and a draft pick. Despite being prodded by the Cavs, however, the Suns seem willing to wait. League ..."
Josh Howard practices, Drew Gooden seeking buyout after trade to Washington Wizards from Dallas Mavericks
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February 17
Washington Post
 
"In a season where little has gone right, even the reboot had a glitch for the Washington Wizards. At practice on Tuesday, three days after pulling off a seven-player deal with the Dallas Mavericks, the Wizards were able to welcome only three of the four players they had acquired. The centerpiece of the deal from a talent and financial perspective -- swingman Josh Howard -- was working on dribble-drive moves with Wizards assistant Sam Cassell. Defensive-minded guard Quinton Ross was rebounding jump shots for Earl Boykins and high-energy forward James Singleton was shooting jumpers with Dominic McGuire. Power forward Drew Gooden was nowhere to be found. The Wizards said that Gooden was going ..."
Cavs talks with Wizards intensify
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February 17
Yahoo! Sports
 columnist Adrian Wojnarowski
"The Cleveland Cavaliers have made significant progress in trade discussions with the Washington Wizards, offering Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Jamario Moon and a No. 1 draft pick for Antawn Jamison and Mike James, sources told Yahoo! Sports. Some league sources believe this is a deal that is preferable to some members of the Cavaliers' management and coaching staffs over Amar'e Stoudemire, but Cleveland still hasn't made a decision on which trade to ultimately make. Other trade proposals that intrigue the Cavs are still emerging on the landscape, but the focus now is on Jamison or Stoudemire. Washington is still trying to squeeze possibly another pick or young player out of the Cavs, but sources ..."
Mavericks sent to Washington could come back
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February 16
Dallas Morning News
 
"Is it possible that one of the outgoing Mavericks in the trade could be returning? Team officials couldn't comment specifically, but it makes sense that they will be watching closely to see if Washington waives or buys out either Drew Gooden or perhaps Quinton Ross or James Singleton. Of the four Mavericks traded, Gooden probably took the news the hardest, along with Ross, who grew up in Dallas. Gooden has been moved around throughout his career, but it has never been because of lack of production."
Is Cleveland big enough for Amare & Shaq
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February 15
ESPN.com
 
"On Sunday, ESPN.com's Chris Broussard reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Phoenix Suns had seriously discussed a trade that would send Amare Stoudemire to Cleveland for J.J. Hickson (and the expiring contract of Zydrunas Ilgauskas). As Broussard reported, the Cavs had made the offer and the ball was in Phoenix's court. In the meantime, I've spoken to sources connected to the Cavs, the Suns and other teams around the league, and while they confirm that the Stoudemire trade discussions between Cleveland and Phoenix are at a serious stage, they also describe a fluid situation, with trade discussions taking place on multiple fronts."
Jamison has interest from Miami and Cleveland
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February 15
Washington Post
 
"After announcing their desire to hit the reset button on this team and shed salary after dealing Caron Butler, Brendan Haywood and DeShawn Stevenson to Dallas, the Wizards remain aggressive about trying to make some more deals to cut payroll and get under the luxury tax this season. The trade with the Mavericks chopped nearly $2.5 million off the books this season. And, with the team getting relief in the form of a 50 percent discount for the salaries of the suspended Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton, the Wizards' luxury tax penalty has been reduced to about $3 million. The Wizards have no desire to hand the owner a luxury tax bill for a woefully bad lottery team. In order to get ..."
Ainge: 'No deals' with the Bobcats or Wizards
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February 13
Boston Globe
 
"Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said Friday he has not discussed trades involving the Charlotte Bobcats or Washington Wizards. "There is no truth to either one of those," Ainge said. "I have had conversations with a lot of teams but those have never been discussed. There are a lot of things I would like to do but I don't feel a need to do something. I am always looking to upgrade the team, if possible." Charlotte coach Larry Brown could be interested in the Celtics' Rasheed Wallace, according to a report in the Charlotte Observer. But Ainge said Wallace will not be dealt. Ainge said he does not expect any deals to be concluded until closer to Thursday's trade ..."
Wizards, Celts in swap talks
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February 12
Yahoo! Sports
 
"In a dramatic move that would resuscitate their fading championship hopes, the Boston Celtics are discussing a deal with the Washington Wizards for forwards Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler(notes), league sources told Yahoo! Sports on Friday. The proposed deal would send the expiring contracts of Ray Allen, Brian Scalabrine and J.R. Giddens to the Wizards, a move that would signal the start of Washington's rebuilding process. The trade isn't imminent, but talks have progressed and Celtics GM Danny Ainge has positioned his organization to make one of the boldest trade deadline moves in years. For the Celtics, ownership would have to agree to take on an additional $24 million in salary next ..."
Cavaliers trade talks heating up, may now include Richard Hamilton
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February 12
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"Usually trades aren't completed or announced during All-Star Weekend so there may not be anything done until at least Monday. However, the Cavs have intensified trade talks over the past several days and have been making progress, according to sources. Several sources said the Cavs have included the Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons in their conversations, possibly in an attempt to set up three-team deals. The Cavs' major targets are still believed to be forwards Antawn Jamison and Troy Murphy. But they also have had conversations about shooting guards and the talks with the Pistons could involve Richard Hamilton, who has been made available in recent weeks."
Wizards working on three-team deal?
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February 11
Washington Post
 
"A league source informed me that a possible three-way deal involving the Wizards, New York and Houston "doesn't have legs right now." Yahoo! Sports NBA columnist Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Wednesday that the Knicks, Rockets and Wizards "are in the discussion stages of a complicated" trade that would send Tracy McGrady to the Knicks, Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood to the Rockets and Al Harrington to the Wizards. Another source confirmed the discussions, but added that nothing is imminent. The Rockets are actively working to move McGrady's $23-million expiring contract and they have been in discussion with the Wizards for several weeks. Although the basic framework is set, more pieces ..."
Rumors: Martin, Iguodala, Butler, McGrady
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February 8
ESPN.com
 
"Kevin Martin, Andre Iguodala and Caron Butler continue to be the three swingmen most frequently linked with Mark Cuban's trade-seeking Mavericks, who have been stonewalled in their attempts to pry Martin away from Sacramento and thus have not ruled out a move for Butler. Sources say that Washington and Dallas have maintained a Butler dialogue while the Wizards also continue talks with Houston in a larger deal for Tracy McGrady. As stated previously in this cyberspace, Martin tops the Mavs' list in their search for a dependable second scorer to flank Dirk Nowitzki. Sources say, however, that Dallas would likely have to recruit a third team to present the quality big man presumably needed to ..."
With trade rumors swirling, Butler has best game
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February 6
Washington Post
 
"Caron Butler's name has been mentioned in trade rumors for almost a year, and the talk has only intensified with the Feb. 18 trade deadline less than two weeks away. He's been rumored to be headed to Dallas, to Houston, to the Los Angeles Clippers, to New Jersey, to Portland, to Phoenix. "I'm popular," Butler said with a smile after scoring a season-high 31 points, including the game-winning jumper with 0.5 seconds remaining, against the Orlando Magic on Friday. "I've always been a popular kid, since middle school, I've been bigger than everybody. I'm very popular right now." Butler has had a disappointing season, with him struggling to develop chemistry with Gilbert Arenas, looking ..."
Time to deal Jamison, Butler, Haywood?
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February 5
Washington Post
 
"If the Wizards are going to make a move before the trade deadline, they might want to act sooner rather than later. This is arguably the best time for President Ernie Grunfeld to rework his roster and start anew, with teams around the league expressing interest in Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler and Brendan Haywood. The trade deadline is just two weeks away. Adrian Wojnarowski recently wrote for Yahoo! Sports that the Dallas Mavericks have lost interest in Butler because of his so-so season. Butler has had a difficult season but his production has been relatively unchanged, even following Gilbert Arenas's suspension. He has scored at least 20 points four times in the 15 games since Arenas ..."
As trade rumors swirl, Wizards' Antawn Jamison carries on
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January 28
Washington Post
 
"Following another disheartening loss on Tuesday night, 115-103 to the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers at Verizon Center, Washington Wizards forward Antawn Jamison answered every question about the team's failings with his usual candor. He cited the opponent's aptitude, a poor second quarter and an overall shortage of intensity as principal factors in the Wizards' fourth straight defeat, but not once did he mention his contributions, which included a game-high 27 points and a team-high nine rebounds. That professionalism and dependability have made Jamison an attractive candidate for other teams with genuine aspirations of winning an NBA title this season. Thus the trade speculation ..."
Ted Leonsis's bid for the Wizards and Verizon Center is thrown in question
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January 28
Washington Post
 
"The holding company that owns a majority of the Washington Wizards and Verizon Center says it has the right to put the franchise and arena on the open market, throwing into question attempts by former AOL mogul Ted Leonsis to take full ownership of the sprawling regional sports empire. The news will probably complicate what has been a civil negotiations process between representatives of Leonsis, who owns the Washington Capitals, and the estate of the late Abe Pollin, who cobbled together the holding company, Washington Sports & Entertainment, over five decades. Pollin died Nov. 24. The events point to an unraveling of what many thought would be a smooth transition from Pollin to Leonsis, ..."
Sources: NBA to detail Arenas ban
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January 23
ESPN.com
 
"Gilbert Arenas will know his fate -- at least in terms of how long he'll be suspended from the NBA -- by the end of next week, ESPN.com learned Friday. Multiples sources said the wheels were already in motion for the Arenas case to take its next turn, although the question of whether the Wizards will subsequently attempt to void Arenas' contract may remain unanswered. One source said Javaris Crittenton, the other player involved in the now infamous handgun incident in the Wizards locker room last month, will have closure in his case, too. Crittenton has been under investigation by authorities after he allegedly chambered a round in his handgun during the standoff with Arenas. Definitive ..."
Magic GM Shoots Down Talk Of Reunion With Arenas
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January 20
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Magic general manager Otis Smth denied speculation that Orlando would be Wizards point guard Gilbert Arenas'(notes) new home once Arenas gets through with his legal issues. "I have a lot of love for Gilbert, but this is something I've not given a whole lot of thought to," Smith told the Orlando Sentinel. "…I don't know where this is coming from. There is nothing in the works. No talk about it on this end or any other end.""
Deadline nears in sale talks for Wizards
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January 18
Washington Post
 
"Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis is negotiating against a Wednesday deadline to buy the Washington Wizards and Verizon Center from the estate of sports entrepreneur Abe Pollin, a deal that could put him as lead owner of the region's biggest sports and entertainment empire. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for the Washington sports scene, determining whether Leonsis -- or someone else -- will run Washington Sports & Entertainment, the sports holding company Pollin built over five decades before his death on Nov. 24. Since buying the Capitals from Pollin a decade ago, the former AOL mogul has transformed the franchise from a National Hockey League also-ran with a niche ..."
Sources close to Arenas say guard feels franchise has turned its back on him
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January 16
Washington Post
 
"The differences between Gilbert Arenas and the Washington Wizards may have reached the point of being irreconcilable regardless of the outcome of Friday's proceedings in the criminal case against Arenas, according to people close to Arenas and the team's management. Multiple sources close to the criminal case have said Arenas will plead guilty in D.C. Superior Court on Friday to a single felony count of carrying a pistol without a license in exchange for avoiding jail time. Such a plea would not be enough to allow the Wizards to void the $80 million remaining on the six-year, $111 million contract Arenas signed with the team in July 2008, other sources said. Yet neither side may be ..."
Arenas charged with felony gun possession; plea deal likely
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January 15
USA Today
 
"Although Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas was charged with one felony count of carrying a handgun without a license, Thursday's filing signaled a plea deal.That seemed to be so, with Arenas reaching a deal that could include a jail term much less than the maximum five years, The Washington Post reported, citing people close to the case. USA TODAY could not confirm that. The charge filed in D.C. Superior Court was an "information" document with the U.S. Attorney's Office. " 'Felony information' means there's enough to charge him with something but he's not formally indicted. It can mean the parties are negotiating," said Joseph DiBenedetto, a New York criminal defense attorney who ..."
Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas seeks plea deal, may avoid jail time on gun charge
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January 15
New York Daily News
 
"After being charged with felony gun possession Thursday in Washington, D.C., Wizards star guard Gilbert Arenas is headed for a court appearance Friday in an apparent plea deal to avoid going to prison for five years. In fact, he could end up serving little or no jail time. Arenas, whom the NBA indefinitely suspended last week for breaking its gun rules, was charged with one count of carrying a pistol without a license. The charges were filed in Washington, D.C. Superior Court in a document that indicates a plea bargain has been reached. League sources said Arenas tried to have the charge reduced to a misdemeanor, but apparently couldn't because in 2003 he pleaded no contest to a ..."
Gilbert Arenas is in negotiations for a plea deal on gun charges
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January 14
Washington Post
 
"Prosecutors and attorneys for Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas were in plea negotiations this week that could have Arenas in court on gun charges as soon as Thursday, according to law enforcement sources. The two sources, speaking on condition of anonymity because the talks are ongoing, stressed that the negotiations could collapse. In addition, no cases involving Arenas had been docketed in Superior Court by late Wednesday night. If the plea talks are not successful, a Superior Court grand jury would continue to hear evidence in the case. Officials with the U.S. attorney's office in the District declined to comment about the case. Arenas's attorney, Kenneth L. Wainstein, also ..."
Assessing the Cavaliers' chances for Washington's Antawn Jamison
Comment
January 10
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"It is open season on some Washington Wizards right now -- Gilbert Arenas for critics and Antawn Jamison for trade speculation. The Cavaliers and their fans only seem to care about Jamison, the talented stretch power forward with high character who seems destined to be traded as his team attempts to start anew. It isn't a certainty, but several league executives said this week that the Wizards are listening to offers for every player on their roster and not ruling any sort of deal out. "If you're running a team you can either sell success or you can sell hope but that's about it," said one high-ranking executive. "They've got a new owner coming [in Washington] and right now they sure ..."