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Golden State Warriors Unlikely to Match

President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld announced today that the Washington Wizards have signed free agent guard Gilbert Arenas to an offer sheet. Under NBA rules, the Golden State Warriors now have 15 days to match the offer or the restricted free agent will become a member of the Wizards. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Gilbert is an outstanding young player who fits in very well with the core of our team,” said Grunfeld. “The team is full of talented young players who can grow together and be a playoff contender for years to come.”

Arenas was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player last season after averaging 18.3 points and 6.3 assists per game for the Warriors. He started all 82 games during the 2002-03 season and joined Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd, Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, Steve Francis, Jamal Mashburn and Ricky Davis as the only players to average at least 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. He has played in 129 career games during his two-year career and has career averages of 15.6 points and 6.3 assists per game.

“Gilbert is an outstanding talent and he will have an immediate impact on the growth of this team,” said Wizards Head Coach Eddie Jordan. “He has a strong passion for the game and the ability to do great things in this league and he will be an asset to our organization.”

Originally drafted by Golden State, Arenas was selected in the second round (31st overall) of the 2001 NBA Draft. The 21-year old Arenas left the University of Arizona after his sophomore season.