Wizards Trade Rumors

"The Washington Wizards' tumultuous, injury-riddled season came to an end Friday with another first-round exit from the playoffs. That, of course, doesn't mean the turmoil is over for the summer. Power forward and team captain Antawn Jamison is an unrestricted free agent. And franchise player Gilbert Arenas has maintained he will opt out of his current deal in search for a long-term max contract, a move that will make him an unrestricted free agent as well. Re-signing both players tops the Wizards' to-do list this summer."

"Jamison became an unrestricted free agent after a season-ending loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 6 on Friday night and Arenas has until July 1 to opt out of the final year of his contract, a move that would make him the biggest name on the free agent market. Team president Ernie Grunfeld has repeatedly stated that it will be his "priority" to retain Arenas and Jamison. Yesterday, after cleaning out his locker and meeting with Coach Eddie Jordan, Butler all but predicted that one of the league's highest-scoring trios will be kept intact. "

"Ernie Grunfeld, the team president, has already assured at least one player the club plans to re-sign free agents Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. And Caron Butler sounded certain this afternoon, after his exit meeting with Coach Eddie Jordan at Verizon Center, that Washington's Big Three would stay together and try to advance past the first round for the first time in four years."

"Jamison and reserve guard Roger Mason Jr. are the team's two unrestricted free agents and Arenas can become one by opting out of the final year of his contract by July 1. Team president Ernie Grunfeld has repeatedly said it his "priority" to retain Jamison and Arenas."

"Avery Johnson was fired by the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, and Mike D’Antoni clung loosely to his job in Phoenix — their fates underscoring that success is no guarantee of security for N.B.A. head coaches. The Mavericks fired Johnson a day after his team was eliminated from the playoffs by the New Orleans Hornets. The Suns also lost their first-round series, to the San Antonio Spurs, amid widespread reports that D’Antoni would be replaced."

"While it's too early to tell whether an All-Star will hit the market, the Indiana Pacers' Jermaine O'Neal, the Washington Wizards' Gilbert Arenas and perhaps even the Houston Rockets' Tracy McGrady might be trade possibilities. If no deal materializes, Paxson should remain patient. The prudent approach then probably would be going after a true point guard and keeping the current roster mostly intact."

"Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas said before Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers that he's willing to sign for less money this summer if it will help the team retain all-star forward Antawn Jamison, who will be a free agent."

"Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas said last night that — while he still plans on opting out this summer to sign a max deal — he is willing to take a pay cut so the team can re-sign Antawn Jamison, who will be an unrestricted free agent."

"Arenas can opt out of the final year of his contract, which will pay him $12.8 million next season. One week he said he will most likely opt out, the next week he says he may not... It looks like former Pistons and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle might be coming back to the Central Division. Reports across the league Sunday place him as the leading candidate to replace Jim Boylan once the Bulls get through this season from hell. "

"Although the Bulls believe they need an upgrade over Kirk Hinrich, the belief is they'd go for Beasley if they got first pick and Rose if they got the second... This Bulls team needs to be more like the Celtics of last season: package the pick with one or two players and perhaps pick up a veteran point guard like Andre Miller. I could also see them pursuing a star player in perhaps a sign-and-trade with Washington for Gilbert Arenas, sort of a go-for-broke summer. Perhaps Elton Brand tells the Clippers he won't re-sign and the Clippers cash in for a package that includes Hinrich, Andres Nocioni and the Bulls' first pick. And if Nene gets healthy, the Nuggets have to move someone."

"With Walsh out of the picture, Dolan has plenty of names to choose from. Jerry West, who according to sources has not been contacted by the Knicks, remains a strong possibility. Jerry Colangelo wants the job and Nets assistant GM Kiki Vandeweghe is also in the mix. Dolan may even take a look at Nets president Rod Thorn and Wizards GM Ernie Grunfeld."

"Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh met Friday with his team's co-owners, Herbert and Melvin Simon, to work out a deal that could keep Walsh in Indiana and prevent him from replacing Isiah Thomas in New York. The Simon brothers would prefer to keep Walsh and have him reassume control over personnel decisions from Pacers president Larry Bird... Other candidates include Nets assistant GM Kiki Vandeweghe, former Knick players Greg Anthony and Mark Jackson, former Sixers GM Billy King, Nuggets VP of basketball operations Mark Warkentien and perhaps even former Knicks president Ernie Grunfeld, who is with Washington."

"Gilbert Arenas will undergo an MRI exam on his surgically repaired left knee today and if the results are positive, he could play as soon as Wednesday night when the Wizards travel to Orlando... Arenas is looking to sign a maximum contract with the Wizards, who can offer a six-year contract worth more than $100 million, and he is weighing his physical as well as financial future."

"I see Elton sticking around to finish up his deal one more season. I've suggested the Wizards try to resign Gilbert Arenas and trade him for Brand, which could work well for both teams with Arenas from L.A. and Brand perhaps walking on the Clippers after next season. If he does, I see him ending in Miami, where they can be under the cap by letting go Shawn Marion, which I believe they will after next season, and have courted Brand for years."

"Even though Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas participated in his first practice in 3½ months yesterday and has yet to set a date for his return to game action, he said he still intends to opt out of his contract to sign a max deal this summer — regardless of how much or how little he plays the rest of this season."

"Reiterating his sentiments from a week ago, Washington Wizards team president Ernie Grunfeld indicated yesterday it's unlikely he will make a trade by today's 3 p.m. deadline."

"There’s a short-timer’s dilemma with this team. Arenas could opt out of his contract this summer, though injuries over two years will undercut his market value. Nobody can pay him more than Washington. Antwaan Jamison is playing out his contract. "

"The Lakers are said to be looking hard for a more traditional small forward with shooting range. Perhaps the Wizards' Caron Butler, who was injured and couldn't play in Sunday's All-Star Game... The Spurs don't make many major moves, but they are looking to deal Francisco Elson. The SuperSonics have had enough of their French connection and are offering Johan Petro and Mickael Gelabale. Seattle also would like to move Wally Szczerbiak and Damien Wilkins... The Rockets would like to be rid of Bonzi Wells. The 76ers are offering Gordan Giricek... And Ben Gordon's nameis another that has made the rumor rounds. "

"Jordan has won enough games to keep his job secure, but we hear there's still tension beneath the surface between the two. And if the Wizards don't turn things around for a strong playoff drive, the whispers about Jordan's future may well return. . . ."

" Because a Marion opt-out would leave the Heat with $15 million in cap space, which means they'd be front-runners for a very impressive class that includes Antawn Jamison, Elton Brand (he has an opt-out), or restricted free agents (Ben Gordon, Josh Smith, Monta Ellis) who could receive offers from Riley that would blow the competition out of the marketplace. And if Marion chooses to stay around for a while, that's fine, too. "

"Washington Wizards power forward Antawn Jamison will be an unrestricted free agent after the season, and he has done nothing to hurt his bargaining power."

"If I were Ernie Grunfeld, I'd make a run at the Clippers' Elton Brand, like Arenas out with an injury but also due back this season. Brand has one year left on his contract. It's questionable whether he'd stay after that, especially with the low-post development of Chris Kaman."

"The best way to avoid that possibility is by putting together a team next year that features Wade, O'Neal and, say, Shawn Marion and Derrick Rose. Or, say, Gilbert Arenas and Michael Beasley."

"Al Horford is still a rookie, but I really see him being a big-time talent. Couldn't a package of Tyrus Thomas and Ben Gordon be put together with a couple of minor pieces to grab him? ... I was wondering if we gave up Kirk, Gordon and Tyrus for Gilbert Arenas. Arenas is a star, and I heard rumors he wants out. Arenas, Sefolosha and Deng."

"Larry Hughes' time with the Cavaliers might be just about over. According to several league sources, the Cavs have contacted several teams about a deal involving the 6-5 guard. One source said the Washington Wizards are one of those teams and another source said another team is in the Atlantic Division. "

"Other coaches who might not see the end of the season include Lawrence Frank in New Jersey, under. 500 again despite the three-star formula that's supposed to lead to championship contention; Maurice Cheeks in Philadelphia, with a new general manager; Eddie Jordan in Washington, even with Gilbert Arenas out; and Mike Woodson in Atlanta if the Hawks crash again, though Woodson is having his best season with the Hawks surprisingly over .500."

"The Washington Wizards will fill the roster spot of injured Antonio Daniels with Mike Wilks, whom Denver released last month, according to a league source."

"Team president Ernie Grunfeld is expected to sign a free agent guard to a non-guaranteed contract, possibly today. The Wizards are looking at several players, but would prefer a point guard with NBA experience. The most likely candidates are Keith McCleod, formerly with the Utah Jazz, and Mike Wilks, who has experience with several teams including the Denver Nuggets, who released him last month. "

"According to a source with knowledge of the situation, Grunfeld and the Wizards are looking at about four or five players. The group includes Mike Wilks, recently released by the Denver Nuggets, and Eddie Gill, recently released by the New Jersey Nets. The others are Brian Chase, Keith McLeod and veteran Randy Livingston."

"Because the Wizards can re-sign their own players for more money than competing teams can, Grunfeld has to decide if Arenas can physically regain the form that made him one of the most exciting players in the NBA. Arenas certainly has been a wonderful addition to the team and town."

"Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas said yesterday he still wants to re-sign with the Wizards next summer after he opts out of his contract, and he believes the team is good enough to make the playoffs without him in the lineup for the next three months."

"So this is all a pipe dream, but a player such as Seattle's Wally Szczerbiak would look good atop the Bulls' wish list...Another logical candidate is the Clippers' Corey Maggette, a Chicago native... Minnesota's Antoine Walker is expensive and plays the wrong position. Washington's Antonio Daniels would be tougher to acquire and has three years left on his contract."

"Look, there are only a handful of players who would give the Lakers even close to equal basketball value for Kobe. Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, maybe Tracy McGrady, maybe Carmelo Anthony. It's an elite group. And each of those players, except McGrady, is untouchable to his current team. Well, just a hair outside that group is Arenas."

"The Kobe Watch is reaching gale-force intensity. Even Gilbert Arenas surfaced as a potential lure at one point, as if the Lakers would be interested in acquiring a player who is opting out of his contract after the season."

"Antawn Jamison suspects that, barring a deep run in the playoffs, this season will be his last for the Washington Wizards."

"Star guard Gilbert Arenas plans to opt out of his contract and become a free agent next summer. Forward Antawn Jamison, who has teamed up with Arenas to guide the Wizards to three straight playoff appearances, will be a free agent as well."

"Rumors that the Washington Wizards were interested in trading Gilbert Arenas for disgruntled Los Angeles Lakers star Kobe Bryant made the rounds on the Internet, radio and television yesterday, but team president Ernie Grunfeld shot down the possible deal."

" All bets are off on picking a team to win the championship, Tim Donaghy and I concur, until Kobe Bryant is relocated, at which point I'm going the other way. The Chicago Bulls remain the favored destination. Both sides find each other irresistible."

"This looks like it could be one of the most important weeks in Bulls history. This is the week they may or may not trade for Kobe Bryant. I'm told this by sources who may or may not know... One general manager on the periphery of the Bryant talks says he believes the 'dark horse' to make a deal with the Lakers is the Washington Wizards. The consensus is the Wizards have hit a plateau, but have the star power in Gilbert Arenas to make a deal."

"Thomas has three years and $20 million remaining on his contract but should he be declared out for the season for medical reasons, there is a provision in the collective bargaining agreement that would give the Wizards an exception worth around $3.7 million to sign a replacement. However, the Wizards are unlikely to use the exception and probably will carry 13 players on the regular season roster because they are close to the luxury tax threshold ($67.8 million.)"

"In fact, the Wizards could carry as few as 13 active players. Jordan hasn't decided what direction he'll go, but the players most likely sitting on the bubble are forward/center Tony Massenburg, forward Mike Hall and guard Taylor."

"Gilbert Arenas plans to opt out of the final year of his contract, Jamison will be an unrestricted free agent."

"However, there aren't many free agent big men available -- veteran P.J. Brown, who played with Chicago last season, still hasn't landed with a new team -- and Wizards Coach Eddie Jordan said he is comfortable with his current group, which includes starter Brendan Haywood and reserves Andray Blatche, Darius Songaila, Oleksiy Pecherov and Tony Massenburg."

"The reason he backed out, a friend of Thibodeaux's said, was because the coach was worried he had been brought to Washington to eventually take Jordan's job. He didn't want to be viewed as undermining another coach and his staff, and he felt that that's how it might look if Grunfeld took action during the season to remove Jordan."

"Yesterday, center Brendan Haywood said he never asked for a trade following last season and he also addressed the status of his relationship with Jordan and Etan Thomas, with whom Haywood has had at least three physical altercations during the last two seasons."

"The Wizards either win 50 games and go deep into the playoffs this season or the brain trust's devotion to continuity and chemistry is likely to succumb to a series of changes. In a worst-case scenario, that could mean the departures of Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and coach Eddie Jordan, either by choice in the case of Arenas and Jamison or by pink slip in the case of Jordan."

" Does Mullin want to sign Davis to a contract extension before training camp begins Tuesday? Does Mullin want to lock up center Andris Biedrins before he can hit the free-agent market next summer? Does Mullin want to be ready in case another team's star, such as Washington's Gilbert Arenas or Sacramento's Ron Artest, exercises an opt-out and becomes available in 2008?"

"Vincent has mentioned free agents Michael Ruffin or Marc Jackson as possibilities, and the team also worked out Vitaly Potapenko recently. Vincent uses the word 'rugged'' to describe what he needs, and all three of those guys know how to throw their bodies around the lane."

"The Wizards have 13 players under contract and are also expected to sign restricted free agent forward Andray Blatche. The team has also expressed an interest in re-signing free agent shooting guard Roger Mason, who appeared in 62 games for the team last season."

"Andray, you should have had yourself under self-imposed lockdown until the negotiations involving a five-year, $12.5-million contract were completed. Now, of course, there is a chill in those negotiations, if not an urge on the part of Ernie Grunfeld to re-evaluate your worth to the team."