Jamison, Wizards agree to 4-year, $50 million deal

Last update: June 30, 2008 - 11:52 PM

The Washington Wizards achieved a major free agency goal Monday when two-time All-Star forward Antawn Jamison signed a four-year, $50 million contract.

The deal does more than retain the team's co-captain and leading scorer from last season: It serves as an expensive piece of bait to lure Gilbert Arenas, who had said he would not return unless the team also kept his longtime friend.

"He said he'd take less money if they got me, and they got me," Jamison said.

Two words describe Jamison above all others: steady and reliable. Jamison, 32, has averaged at least 19.6 points and 7.6 rebounds each year since his arrival in Washington in 2004. Last season was arguably the best in his 10-year NBA career -- 21.4 points and a career-high 10.2 rebounds -- as he and Caron Butler helped lead the Wizards to a fourth consecutive playoff berth while Arenas was injured.

Davis a free agent

Golden State point guard Baron Davis elected to become a free agent, turning down his $17.8 million contract for next season in a surprise move.

Davis, 29, repeatedly has said he intended to return to the Warriors, but he might be displeased by coach Don Nelson's recent declarations about giving more playing time to Golden State's young players.

Etc.

• Los Angeles Clippers forward Elton Brand told ESPN.com he is opting out of the final year of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent. "It definitely doesn't mean I'm leaving the Clippers," he told the website. "... My intention is to stay." Brand had $16.4 million left on deal he signed in 2003.

• The Los Angeles Lakers have given qualifying offers to restricted free agents Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf.

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