Arenas could take pay cut to stay with Wizards

Mar 31, 2008 - 4:58 AM WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison apparently are a package deal for the Washington Wizards.

The Washington Post reported Sunday that Arenas could take a pay cut this summer to allow Jamison to receive a more lucrative contract from the team.

"I want to see Antawn taken care of first and then, I'll take a pay cut to keep the team intact," said Arenas, who is one of the highest-scoring guards in the NBA when healthy.

Arenas, who can opt out of his current deal after the season, has been out for most of the campaign after undergoing left knee surgery. The report said it is unclear when he'll be cleared to play.

Prior to speaking with the Post on Sunday, Arenas had not let on whether he planned to stay or go in the offseason.

That decision might have a lot to do with the future of Jamison, who, despite being selected to the All-Star team this season, is one of the most under-appreciated players in the league.

But Arenas certainly realizes his teammate's worth.

"We've been together six out of my seven years, so we have an understanding," Arenas said to the Post. "We know what it's in jeopardy so, you know, I told him whatever he wants, give it to him, and I'll take the pay cut. I know what he does. He's a part of my success and I'm a part of his success so we have this 1-2 combination that works in this league.

"We know we make each other better, someone has to sacrifice. This might be one of his last contracts, so I'll sacrifice and, hopefully, I'll get another one at the end of the day. And if I don't, I know I did the right thing."

Despite coming off a knee injury, the 26-year-old Arenas no doubt will be one of the most sought-after free agents this summer. So, how much is he willing to sacrifice by removing himself from a possible bidding war?

"That depends on what Antawn wants," Arenas told the newspaper.