See article below. I just can't imagine that Sterling would shell out money to have a lineup featuring Arenas, Maguette, Odom and Brand. I suppose it's possible. For what little it is worth, the Miami Heat message board on ESPN is abuzz with the Heat potentially offering Odom a substantial contract in teh 9-10 million per year. I can't believe that Riley would go that high, but I suppose it's possible. Damn, I'd like to get Odom. I'd like to hear what you guys think about how this changes things. Clippers Give Arenas Another Option By Steve Wyche Washington Post Staff Writer Sunday, July 20, 2003; Page E11 BOSTON, July 19 -- The Washington Wizards, who just days ago appeared to be the front-runners for Golden State Warriors free agent Gilbert Arenas, now have stiff competition from the Los Angeles Clippers, who made Arenas an offer tonight, according to a source close to the situation. The Wizards have reportedly offered Arenas a six-year, $60 million contract. The notoriously thrifty Clippers tonight made Arenas a similar deal, the source said. To clear money for last season's most improved player, the Clippers might not match the offer sheet restricted free agent guard Corey Maggette signed with the Utah Jazz (starting at $7 million) so they can have the money to offer Arenas. The Clippers also today matched the Miami Heat's offer sheet to forward Elton Brand (six years, $82 million), but the team is not expected to match the offer sheet restricted free agent point guard Andre Miller signed with the Denver Nuggets (starting at $7 million). What could determine the Clippers' decision on matching Maggette or signing Arenas is whether they can reach an affordable deal with swingman Lamar Odom, a restricted free agent. If they can come to terms with Odom on a deal that allows them to compete with Washington's offer for Arenas, they could very well land the 6-foot-3 third-year point guard. Arenas, who went to high school in Van Nuys, Calif., and played college ball at Arizona, is believed to prefer to stay on the West Coast. The Warriors are also hoping to keep Arenas but they have only the $4.9 million exception to offer because they are over the salary cap. Both teams were hoping to get an answer on Arenas's plans maybe as soon as Monday. However, with today's developments, Arenas may wait to ponder his options some more. The Wizards, Clippers and Warriors might not be the only teams in the running for Arenas. The Heat has more than $13 million available under the cap and the Jazz, roughly $20 million under the salary cap, also is interested in Arenas. Arenas's agent, Dan Fegan, who could not be reached to comment today, said last week that Arenas's affinity for the western part of the country would not be restrictive. He also said that Arenas found new Wizards coach Eddie Jordan's free-flowing system of play attractive. If Arenas decides not to come to Washington, the Wizards would join the competition for San Antonio free agent Speedy Claxton. Though Claxton would not command a similar salary to Arenas, Washington would have to outbid the Warriors, Spurs and Jazz for his services. Other free agent point guards include Kenny Anderson, Travis Best, Darrell Armstrong, Jacque Vaughn, Bimbo Coles, Shammond Williams and former Wizard Chris Whitney. The only true point guard on the Wizards' roster is second-round draft choice Steve Blake. The Wizards are hoping to land Arenas, 21, so he can grow with a young nucleus of players that includes Kwame Brown, Etan Thomas, Juan Dixon, Jarvis Hayes, Brendan Haywood, Jared Jeffries, Jerry Stackhouse and Blake. If they are forced to pursue the next tier of free agent point guards, Washington likely would try to convince the player to take a two-to-three-year deal so it would have more flexibility under the salary cap in future years. The Wizards are willing to forsake that flexibility with Arenas because they think he is a promising prospect.
Riley's wanted Odom ever since he came into the NBA. I wouldn't be shocked if he maxed him out...and truth be told, Riley is either the exact right or exact wrong coach for Odom. I'm just not sure which; Odom would either learn from the strict disciplinarian style of Riley and tap his full potential, or he'd rile against it and end up outta there quickly. Tend to favor the former, which would make it a worthwhile investment for Miami. As for Arenas...do they have enough shots to go around for everyone if they re-sign everyone but Miller & Kandi? Miller was the right type of PG for that squad, but it didn't work out for various reasons. While Arenas is a great talent, I'm not sure if the Clippers are the right squad for his talents. They need a pass-first PG, not a shoot-first PG. But if the Clippers sign Arenas, match Maggette, and re-sign Odom, they send a strong statement to the league about their intentions. With Wilcox, Ely, and Kaman, they shouldn't be hurting at the center position despite losing Kandi; with Arenas, Jaric, and Dooling, they wouldn't be bad off at PG either. I'm just not sure if it'd all mesh.
