Gilbert Arenas Will Take Less Money To Stay With Washington Wizards

The Very Quick AM Take: Another day, another Gilbert Arenas headline. Injuries have sidelined The Hibachi this year, but he still dominates the news with his quest for an extension.

Today, Ivan Lee and Michael Carter of the Washington Post are reporting that Arenas would consider a pay cut.

Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas said before Sunday’s game against the 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. How much less in Arenas willing to take? "That depends on what Antawn wants," Arenas said with a chuckle.

I’ll say it again. Arenas shouldn’t opt-out. He should play the final year of his contract at 12 million dollars. Playing well in 2008-09 will land him a new deal.

Of course, Gil is Gil. The sensible option is too sensible. Instead, the scorer/blogger/halo expert has told everyone he wants a new contract this summer despite having two knee surgeries in a year.

Now he’ll apparently play for less money. All these headlines reek of desperation. Arenas has spent more time on the bench than Washington coach Eddie Jordan and understands the Wizards could rebuild around Caron Butler and Jamison.

Whatever happens, his daily briefings are tiresome. Arenas should focus only on returning and then his extension will come.

Are you tired of Arenas’ contract talks? Get at us in the comment box with your thoughts. Click here for more of Oly Sandor’s NBA blog and for his daily AM Take. Image appears courtesy of flickr.com.