Why Kobe Bryant For Gilbert Arenas Won’t Happen

Washington president Ernie Grunfeld denies talking to L.A. about a Kobe Bryant-Gilbert Arenas trade:

"I don’t normally comment on rumors but there is no truth to this rumor," Grunfeld said when reached by phone last evening. "We’ve never had any conversations with the Lakers or with anyone else about Gilbert." (Washington Post)

My Quick Take: Just the latest twist in the never-ending Kobe Bryant drama. Like many of you, I’m growing a little tired of this saga and avoided reporting yesterday’s news due to overkill. Hopefully, the coming season will overshadow this story, but until then I have a duty to report these developments. So bear with me.

This rumor had little chance of materializing into a trade. Bryant never expressed interest in suiting-up for Washington and, their last few seasons aside, the Wizards don’t command enough spotlight to satisfy Mamba. 

D.C., even with Gil Arenas, Antawn Jamison, and back-to-back playoff births, are still perceived as a Mickey Mouse franchise. Fair or not, they’re seen as a highly entertaining, counter-culture squad that enjoyed limited success despite poor ownership from Abe Pollin.

Bryant is aware of this perception and can shoot-down what he views as unworthy suitors through his no-trade clause.

Finally, Dimemag.com and the New York Post’s Peter Vescey had interesting takes on this situation. Both argued that the Bulls didn’t include their best player, Loul Deng, in a package for Bryant, so why would the Wizards give up superstar Gil Arenas?

Hypothetically speaking, Washington would probably start by offering L.A. Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler for Bryant, right? If they actually landed Bryant, then the Wizards could make a decision on keeping or trading Arenas.

Should the Wizards stick with Arenas, Jamison, and Butler or break up their big three for Bryant? Get at us in the comment box below with your thoughts.

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