Being "players" in free agency: Day 3 of the Gilbert Arenas watch

by Mike Prada on Jul 3, 2008 10:58 AM EDT in Free Agency

We're still six days away from July 9, when the salary cap and luxury tax figures officially come out. That means we're still six days away from Gilbert Arenas presumably signing the dotted line to make him a Wizard next year.

There's only one problem, and it's one Ivan Carter astutely pointed out yesterday:

Here's the the thing about the Gilbert Arenas contact situation: until he and the Wizards establish some exact figures on that contract, the Wiz won't be able to be active in free agency.

Hmm...that is a bit of an issue. Nobody can officially sign a contract until July 9, but the highly sought-after free agents are being wooed right now. Some of them are even verbally agreeing to deals.

All this is happening, and the Wizards can't really do anything because Gilbert is taking his time while in China. Ernie has been trying to tell free agents to wait it out before the Wizards know exactly what can be offered, but for a highly sought-after guy like James Posey, why should he wait when he's getting so many offers from teams who can make the deal right away? That's asking a lot.

By the time Gilbert makes his decision, Posey might be a Celtic, Corey Maggette might be a Spur, Mikhael Pietrus might be a Piston and Roger Mason might be a New Jersey Net. The Wizards will be left with the scraps.

It's unfortunate, to be sure. Ideally, one of two things should happen. Either Gilbert says "alright, I'll take less no matter what just so we can try to get these guys," or Abe Pollin commits right now to going over the luxury tax no matter what. Then, we could offer our mid-level to Posey and let Gilbert make his own decision.

Then again, however, if we aren't going the luxury tax, how much room would we have anyway under it? As mentioned on Tuesday, assuming the luxury tax level is around 71 million, Gilbert would have to leave about 45 million dollars on the table for us to have enough room to sign James Posey, who almost certainly will go for the full mid-level exception. Unless we go over the luxury tax, Posey may be a pipedream.

That doesn't mean adding anyone is a pipe dream, but it does mean that losing the chance to add a top-notch free agent isn't much to lose sleep over. It's annoying, but I'd rather have Gilbert consider for six days and sign for less money than Gilbert deciding right away to take the max.

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Comments

I hate to be a pessimist...

I doubt we can add anyone meaningful without a trade. I think our best bet may be using one of the teams trying to get into the LeBron sweepstakes in 2010 (given our contract situation).

That said, I doubt that’s the flexibility that EG is asking for – this is much more about making sure the team isn’t hamstrung in 2009 and (especially) 2010, when Etan and Antonio come off the books. I doubt this year’s cap and tax numbers are such the big deal (practically speaking).

Abe – as much as I pay for my tickets, maybe you could be willing to go over this once?

by RamVA on Jul 3, 2008 12:02 PM EDT reply actions

I think you're right

Although I do think this is about flexibility next year, I agree that 2009 is far more of an issue.

You know you'll get devoured by Cheaney, Wallace, and Juwan Howard.

by Mike Prada on Jul 3, 2008 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions

This and That

Gilbert’s not the only one waiting on those figures though. Very few teams have reached agreements so far. Udrih and Diop sound like they were “whatever the MLE is, its yours” types. Posey may figure into that position, he may not given his age.

Other FA’s aren’t signing/committing because no one knows what the MLE figure will be either. I’m not sure its the giant set of handcuffs that others are making it out to be (the ‘held hostage’ line is something I’ve read elsewhere)

by Jheiser3 on Jul 3, 2008 1:23 PM EDT reply actions

When Does the Cap Numbers Come Out?

And, more importantly, will Arenas be back in the States by then? Otherwise, the problem could become even worse.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Jul 3, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

July 8th

Thats the date the media keeps throwing around because the moratorium on signings ends the 9th. I believe the numbers have been released earlier than the projected date in past years. The 7th is Monday so its right around the corner.

I don’t get why Gilbert has to be in-country. I’ve seen others mention it like its important. He can do math in China or Europe. He can communicate with the Times, Post and the Team from over there. Why does he have to be physically present?

by Jheiser3 on Jul 3, 2008 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions

You Were Right

It wasn’t that important. I was just afraid he’d be too busy to negotiate his deal before it was too late. He is overseas for a reason. But it looks like he found the time and got it done. Kudos to him and Ernie for getting this done early.

"It's OK for the Bullets to trade baskets, as long as they can score on their end." -- Words of wisdom from Phil Chenier

by cuppettcj on Jul 4, 2008 8:09 AM EDT up reply actions