WASHINGTON — Two-time all-star forward Antawn Jamison re-signed with the Washington Wizards on Monday, agreeing to a four-year, $50-million (U.S.) deal.
"I just signed. We got it out of the way," Jamison told The Associated Press.
The contract clears the way for the team to focus on its other major free agent: three-time all-star Gilbert Arenas. Arenas has said he would not return unless the team also re-signed Jamison.
"He said he'd take less money if he got me, and they got me," Jamison said. "So I think everything will get worked out with Gilbert."
Jamison arrived in Washington on Monday to sign the contract and the Wizards will hold a news conference for him on Tuesday.
"There wasn't any doubt in my mind that I'd be back," said Jamison, 32, who has been a strong locker room leader during his four seasons with the Wizards.
Jamison has also been reliable in the stat book. He has averaged at least 19.6 points and 7.6 rebounds each year since his arrival in Washington 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.
Jamison previously played five seasons with Golden State and one with Dallas. His career averages are 19.6 points and 7.9 rebounds.
The Wizards were able to negotiate with Jamison because he became an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, but talks with Arenas can't begin until Tuesday because the point guard opted out of his contract.
"Once he heard that I had reached a deal, he congratulated me," said Jamison, repeating a text message conversation he had with Arenas. "And I said 'I can't wait to congratulate you tomorrow."'
Arenas has said he took the opt-out so he could sign a more lucrative deal, which means talks will likely hover in the $100 range for a six-year contract.
Arenas is acting as his own agent and is known for doing the unexpected — and negotiations could be complicated by the fact that he plans to leave for a sponsor-related trip to China on Tuesday — but Jamison is confident his teammate will be back.
"Let me ask you: If somebody offered you, what is it, $100 million?" Jamison said. "I don't care if you're Gil or you're so-and-so, would you take the deal?"
