Comment from Reuben
Time June 30, 2008 at 6:19 PM

i just read an article on ESPN saying that the wizards or closing in on a deal with Antawn 4 years 50 mil

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 30, 2008 at 8:27 PM

ANTAWN DONE DEAL:
4 YEARS 50 MILLION- 12.5 PER

Great job Ernie.
I thought it was going to cost 48 for 3.

Gilbert your next!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 30, 2008 at 8:30 PM

4 years at 50m likely implies about 11m the first year.

I’m going to listen to the press conference in a second — but I tell you what, that is one big kid!

Comment from jmpalomo
Time June 30, 2008 at 8:37 PM

21 POINTS AND 10 REBOUNDS A GAME. ENOUGH SAID!
Way to go Ernie. That makes me feel alot better today.

Comment from wizards_fusion
Time June 30, 2008 at 8:38 PM

The B-/C+ grade for McGee is about right. Most are questioning his “raw-ness”. I’m sure if McGee stayed in college another year, he would be a lottery pick.

I’m pretty hyped right now about Antawn’s news. He apparently already signed earlier today; so there is no question about the deal. The deal is fair and I think the $12.5 million average shows the respect he earned as a Wizards player and the value of his leadership.

There is an article that says Gil can get a max deal of 6 years, 126 million. That’s 21 million per, which is along Kobe money. No way is Arenas getting that. I believe 108 million in 6 years is all Grunfeld should be looking at (18 million average). If Gil is hesitant, just make Year 6 another option year for this contract; making Gil available to take another max at age 30/31.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 30, 2008 at 8:49 PM

$108m/6 years looks like just about $16m the first year. We’re at $43m for 11 guys w/ Javale. W/ Antawn’s $11m, that takes us to $70m. Assuming the luxury tax ceiling is at $73m, we have just enough to sign another player — maybe even enough to re-sign Roger if that’s the direction we want to go.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 30, 2008 at 8:51 PM

Javale handled himself well at the press conference. He seems like a serious, even intense young man with a lot of confidence but not a lot of ego or swaggering. It’ll be fun watching him develop.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 30, 2008 at 9:02 PM

Hey, am I nuts or is he scraping the ceiling in the photo above? Funny!

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 30, 2008 at 9:20 PM

I seem to be all alone here, but I must say that I AM JUST SO HAPPY THAT ANTAWN IS IN THE FOLD! I think that is wonderful! He is the team’s leader.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 30, 2008 at 9:29 PM

Tom — Im here to I was just checking my sources, those guys from ESPN seem to be all about rumors not truth. Well I found one GREAT — Washington Post: Wizards Insider –

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 30, 2008 at 9:33 PM

In that article it states that Antwan Jamison himself told Ivan (Wizards Insider), that the first year cap number meaning next years cap number is going to be less than 10 mil. Which is going to be really great. I wish we could still resign Roger. If Gilbert signs for 6 year 100 mil. It would be great b/c his first years cap number would be right about/under 15 mil.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 30, 2008 at 9:35 PM

Some newspapers have it at 4 years 44 mil for Antwans deal. Putting the numbers right at about 9.5 mil. Do you get a signing bonus when you sign these contracts in the NBA?

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 30, 2008 at 9:37 PM

Oh, that was ComcastSportsNet reporting that Jamisons deal was 44 mil.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 30, 2008 at 9:43 PM

Guys — Is there anyway we can get DeSagana Diop, after we have signed Gilbert, and Antwan? Thats only if we dont get Roger Mason.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 30, 2008 at 9:51 PM

Btw. — Elton Brand is now officially an UNRESTRICTED free agent.

He has opted out of his contract. I think he is less of a risk than Arenas b/c an Achielles injury isnt as bad as 2 knee surgery’s. But now there is no need for the guy, we already got Jamison.

YAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Comment from SportzWiz
Time June 30, 2008 at 10:10 PM

Tom, he’s the first guy ever on that podium that had his head hitting the ceiling when he stood there. HE IS A LEGIT 7 FOOTER!!! Everyone I talked to was so surprised because most guys say they are one height and are another, not JaVale and his arms dont end either!!!

And yes I’m very amped about AJ. I’ll throw up a post tomorrow, the presser is at 2:30pm.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time June 30, 2008 at 10:37 PM

If Jamison’s first year is $9.5, and it’s 4 years, then it’s nowhere near $50m — if I understand the rules, that is. I think you can only give 8% raises each year.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 30, 2008 at 11:13 PM

Tom — What do you mean by nowhere near? Lwer or higher than 50 mil.

Btw. — Baron Davis has also opted out. If we cant get this settled with Gilby i would strongly consider Baron. Plus he has a beard like DeShawns they can be like brothers.

Comment from Wizards4Life
Time June 30, 2008 at 11:23 PM

it should be lower than 50 mil if his first year is under 10 mil because you can only raise the first amount by 8% and i checked that link a lot of people were like 50 mil come on that’s too much and I’m thinking 50 over 4 years no matter how you cut it 12.5 mil a year and he was getting 15.5 or 15.9 mil he got better and then took less money and this will probably be the last 4 years he plays in the NBA that’s the best deal your going to get from the Wizards stand point

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 30, 2008 at 11:28 PM

With Baron Davis now on the market we can save a LOT of money. I wouls strongly consider giving Baron deal before offering Gilby that 100 mil. Baron 6 years 80 mil, sounds just about right. Plus Baron played in all 82 games last season. While, averageing 21.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.6 assists (wow), and 2.8 steals (imagine him and Caron = 6+ syeals a night between the both of them)

Baron/AD/Roger
Stevenson/Young/Roger
Caron/Dominic
Jamison/Blatche/Pech
Haywood/Etan/McGee

If you look at what Baron does he fills up the stat sheet.

Wizards:

w/ Gilby — A better team, but not all that better. We made it to the same stageof the playoffs with or with out him.

w/ Baron — I think we can be better with Baron. He plays DEFENSE, can score about as much as Gil, and he can pass better than Gil, oh and rebound better too, oh and DUNK over guys like AK47 to name one of the many.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time June 30, 2008 at 11:41 PM

SportzWiz first let me say Congratulations to you and your better half.

Great News about Anwawn! I keep hearing/reading the 4 year 44 mil numbers. Less than 10 in the first year is what we need. I don’t think we get Gilbert for 6 and 100, but, I do see it happening somewhere around 6 for 106/108/110 somewhere in there.

If we only play with 14 that’s one more than last season.

Tom, thanks for the heads up on Chris Lofton. I hope we are watching him no matter what summer league team he is on. I too would have liked to see us bring him in.

and (LOL) I didn’t notice McGee’s head hitting the ceiling in the picture until you pointed it out.

Comment from Rook
Time June 30, 2008 at 11:54 PM

Tom Mandel Says:
“If Jamison’s first year is $9.5, and it’s 4 years, then it’s nowhere near $50m — if I understand the rules, that is. I think you can only give 8% raises each year.”

Tom, the CBA states that a Contract Extension can have raises equal to 10.5% of the final year of the EXISTING contract. Jamison was making $16.3 Million… That means his raises each year can be $1.71 Million.

If his new contract starts at less than $10 Million, it could look like this:
Year 1 $9,900,000
Year 2 $11,617,810
Year 3 $13,335,620
Year 4 $15,053,430

TOTAL $49,906,859

I wouldn’t worry too much about the last year… Even though $15 Million is a large number to pay for a 36 year old PF… it’s also an enticing expiring contract number that could be used in a trade.. I doubt the Wizards will end up paying that last year, unless Jamison is still putting up 20/10 numbers.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time June 30, 2008 at 11:58 PM

Rook — Thanks for helping out with the numbers!

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 1, 2008 at 12:00 AM

I just watched his press conferance (thanks SportzWiz). He sounds like he has it pretty much together for a young man. I like that his mother was there (and sounds like will be in the future). Maybe she can take Andray under her wing too? If she hangs around town, no doubt, all the young guys are going to make pests of themselves for “home cooking” lol. I like that Ernie not only drafts good players, but, he drafts good people too. That kid shows a lot of character in that short little glimpse of him. Congratulations the the Wizards, Mr. Mcgee, and we bloggers/fans too.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 1, 2008 at 12:03 AM

Thanks Rook. Under 10 mil still gives a shot at a good team with everyone back (I hope)

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 1, 2008 at 12:03 AM

the first year I meant

Comment from dmac
Time July 1, 2008 at 6:42 AM

Congratulations to AJ on his new contract. He is the consumate pro. AJ is well deserving.
His leadership means a lot to the teams success.
With Gil representing himself there is a great possibility that he and the Wiz get a deal done today before he heads to China for the Adidas promotion tour.
The Wiz have done their part by signing AJ first. Let’s see how ball bounces today.
This is great news to wake up to.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 1, 2008 at 7:03 AM

SportsWiz — yes, congratulations on your good news! When’s the signing? I mean the wedding?

Rook — thanks for clarifying AJ’s terms; I’d forgotten that it is an extension rather than a new contract. Looks like we are at $53m before Gil and Roger, and we probably won’t have any trouble w/ the luxury tax ceiling — obviously, depending on Gil’s contract.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 1, 2008 at 7:05 AM

Hey…. I just realized — only 360 days til the next draft! How about that?

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time July 1, 2008 at 7:14 AM

Btw. — Check out this link from the Washington Post — Click Here

It says that the Golden State Warriors contacted Gilbert a flurrry of times in the first 30 minutes of free agency. They offered him a contract worth 5 years 100+ mil. The Wizards came along with a whopping 124 mil 6 year offer. He’s still trying to decide which one to take, but he is leaning to the Wizards and is also willing to take less than max money if EG is willing to make some moves happen this off-season.

Btw. — The Sacramento Kings are willing to do whatever it takes to get Arenas to play for them. Even if it means to “trade thier entire team” — LOL

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 1, 2008 at 7:17 AM

Baron Davis opted out of $17m or more. Basically, the only step up from that is a max contract. You want to give him a max contract, wizskins?

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time July 1, 2008 at 7:23 AM

Tom — Nope. He knows he wasnt going to get more than 17 mil when he opted out. Im sursprised he decided to opt out. Shawn Marion didnt be/c he also knew. I think if we can get him in the range of 14-15 a year with a nice chunk of signing bonus, it would be nice. w/ Gilbert we arent such a greater team, we still make it to the playoffs with out him. w/ Baron I think it can be a different story. Iam not saying Finals neccesarily but we can get past the 2nd round.

Baron didnt have the players that Gilbert has on this team. If you pair Baron, Caron, and Antwan. He can do a little something.

Comment from Phemy
Time July 1, 2008 at 7:30 AM

‘sup everybody

…just read about antawn. YESSS! thank god!

solong,
Phemy

Comment from neal
Time July 1, 2008 at 8:39 AM

Thanks, Rook, for pointing out a provision I wasn’t aware of.

Antawn will be 35 when this contract is up. Since it’s him, I guess that’s OK. With someone else I would be worried. One of the best things about Jamison is that you can expect 82 games/yr from him.

I’m a little worried about these back-end loaded contracts. I’m afraid we’re going to really squeeze ourselves down the road.

Sure, I’d take Baron Davis over Gilbert. Someone tell EG to go for it.

Comment from neal
Time July 1, 2008 at 8:41 AM

Come to think of it, we don’t have the cap space to just sign Davis. We’d have to do a sign-and-trade deal.

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time July 1, 2008 at 8:55 AM

neal — That would work perfectly. They want Gilbert Arenas, its already been made clear. Its all about if we want Baron now to make such a deal work.

btw. — In a deal like that one who would have more value? Arenas or Baron. Arenas is younger by 3 years I believe.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 1, 2008 at 9:43 AM

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes.

Should be a few interesting weeks with Gil considering he’s in china. The big question for me regarding the whole Golden State rumor is will they have the ability to sign Biedrins and Monta Ellis who both want serious money and are restricted.

They could do a sign and trade type deal where they would give up one of those guys in return.

I still think though that Gilbert ends up back here.

Comment from dmac
Time July 1, 2008 at 10:14 AM

The Washington Post insider reported that Baron Davis is considering to go to the Clippers to play with Elton. It also say’s that while Gil is pondering hew will speak with Abe. I think the key is if Gil is willing to take less than a max contract then Abe and EG have to gurantee Gil they will make more moves during FA or make some trades.
Gil taking less money means maybe targeting someone like James Posey or a veteran who can help us make a run next season.

Comment from dmac
Time July 1, 2008 at 10:18 AM

SportzWiz congratulations on your good news.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 1, 2008 at 10:56 AM

Nobody is going to max Gil out, no other team will make that kind of offer.

I wanted Posey last year, and of course I’d still love to have him — but forget about it, he isn’t going to leave the Celtics.

SportsWiz — are you suggesting the possibility of a sign/trade of Gil for Biedrins/Monta Ellis. That’d be great, but no way it’ll happen.

WizSkins — “Baron didn’t have the players that Gilbert has on this team” — ummm, have you looked at the Warriors record vs. our record?

Comment from Point Guard
Time July 1, 2008 at 11:28 AM

Hey everyone. I’m new to the blog, but I’ve been reading it for a while. I’m looking forward to blogging with everyone.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 1, 2008 at 11:34 AM

Im not suggesting anything, I’m just wondering how they would be able to keep both of those guys and Gil.

Comment from SportzWiz
Time July 1, 2008 at 11:35 AM

point guard great to have you on the blog, what are your thoughts on Twan, Gil and Mcgee??

Comment from Point Guard
Time July 1, 2008 at 11:55 AM

Thanks SportsWiz

I’m glad we were able to reach a contract with Jamison quickly, because I thought Charlotte would really make a run at him, since he’s a UNC guy. The leadership he brings on, and off the court as a team captain can’t be replaced.

Now I hope we are able to get a contract done for Gil very soon. I think he’s the backbone of this team. Dyanamic players like him dont come around to often. So when you have a chance to keep a superstar player like him, you keep him.

I think the Jevale McGee pick was a great pick. I was rooting for him to be the pick if Roy Hibbert wasn’t there. One of the things I noticed in the Cavaliers series was that we weren’t very big in the front court aside from having Haywood. In the games that the Cavs won it seemed like they were able to have their way on the boards. So getting a player who can rebound, and add another scoring threat at the same time was something that was important. I think McGee helps address that need.

Comment from dopeboyfresh
Time July 1, 2008 at 1:45 PM

welcome to the blog, point guard…….. i thin that its great that the wiz signed antawn back…… we’re gonna need him this next year………………hopefully, they can get gil and another veteran to make us better……………………….

Comment from wiz-skins07
Time July 1, 2008 at 3:39 PM

SportzWiz — Gil for Beidris and Ellis would be a really nice move, BUT i think they may need to add something else.

Comment from Tom Mandel
Time July 1, 2008 at 5:21 PM

Hey Point Guard — welcome to this little community of nuts! Always room around the table.

You are so right about Jamison; I was worried about Charlotte too. And I really got a good feeling about JM from his press conference — he is a nice kid and may turn out to be a good pick.

I’m of two minds about Gilbert — of course I love him, who doesn’t? But, I’m concerned about his knee. I wish he hadn’t opted out. W/ a complete come back I’d have been more comfortable about a max contract. Right now, I can’t see giving him one.

Comment from GrifonRacing
Time July 1, 2008 at 10:20 PM

Hi Point Guard. Welcome to our happy little disfunctional family.