National Basketball Association

Report: Arenas officially a free agent

Published Dec. 11, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

NBA teams were informed Sunday night that Gilbert Arenas had cleared waivers and was officially an unrestricted free agent, according to a published report.

The story was reported by ESPN, citing sources.

The Orlando Magic on Friday released the veteran guard, using the amnesty clause contained in the NBA's new collective-bargaining agreement.

Under the terms of the amnesty clause, each team has a one-time opportunity to remove one contract from its books.

The move means Orlando still is on the hook for the remaining $62 million on Arenas' contract, but the money will not go against the team's salary cap.

Teams with salary-cap space have the first crack at placing bids for Arenas under the new amnesty provisions, but sources said his agent, Dan Fegan, had successfully persuaded teams that have shown an interest to lodge a bargain bid because the former All-Star ultimately wants to decide where he will continue his career.

Sources also said Arenas wants to go to the team Magic center Dwight Howard joins if he is traded.

The Magic agreed to a deal with the Washington Wizards last December to bring Arenas to Orlando in exchange for forward Rashard Lewis.

The 10-year veteran averaged 8.0 points, 3.2 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 49 appearances last season. His 21.8 minutes per game in Orlando was far from his career average of 35.8 minutes. The 29-year-old has averaged 21.2 points, 5.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds for his career.

Arenas has also been involved in his fair share of off-court controversies during his career, most notably the infamous locker-room gun incident involving a reported gambling dispute with former Wizards teammate Javaris Crittenton in late 2009. The incident led to both players being suspended for the remainder of the season.

The NBA also fined Arenas an undisclosed amount in June for comments he posted on Twitter that were construed as being offensive toward women and special-education students.