In today's Wizards rumors and news update, the Washington Wizards are finding themselves in a similar position to the rest of the NBA - waiting for LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony to decide on their next move so that the rest of the 2014 NBA free agency market will open up.
According to J. Michael of CSN Washington, until "Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James declare their intentions on whether they're staying or going, the market is on hold for most teams."
Per Michael, the Wizards are waiting for the market to open up before making a firm decision on bringing Trevor Ariza back at an increased price tag - even going so far as to dangle a potential Thabo Sefolosha signing (he signed with the Hawks) as a decoy to wait Ariza out.
"They're still trying to lure Ariza to re-sign, while expressing lukewarm interest in Sefolosha which didn't make much sense," Michael writes. "The Wizards intend to re-sign free agent Garrett Temple who is a similar player and played at the veteran minimum which was $884,000 last season. Sefolosha earned $3.9 million last season and averages 5.8 points per game for his nine-year career."
In what could be seen as a counter-play, Ariza reportedly met with the Heat - adding layers to what has already been a confusing offseason.
As of right now, the Wizards may just be waiting to see what cost-effective alternative options surface when James and Melo finally make their choices - something which could keep Ariza in limbo for the time being.
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