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Did Washington Wizards point guard John Wall just out-scoop every basketball reporter out there?
Got my man @MGortat back now waitin for my bro @TrevorAriza...Come on !!
— John Wall (@John_Wall) July 2, 2014
It certainly looks like it. Here are the second and third-place finishes.
Just got it confirmed. Marcin Gortat just agreed to a 5-year deal to return the #wizards, according to a league source.
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) July 2, 2014
Marcin Gortat has agreed to a five year, $60 million contract extension with Washington, league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 2, 2014
Marcin Gortat has agreed to a five year, $60 million contract extension with Washington, league source tells Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 2, 2014
A while later, the return was confirmed by Marcin Gortat himself.
I'm proud to say Washington will be my home.
— Marcin Gortat (@MGortat) July 2, 2014
In re-upping their Polish center, the Wizards now turn their attention to re-signing small forward Trevor Ariza.
The deal will carry through until Gortat is 35-years-old, which will presumably span the remainder of his prime. Last season, the pick-and-roll target averaged 13.2 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game while appearing in 81 regular season games.
The Wizards are undoubtedly looking to improve upon their breakout 2013-14 campaign, which saw them return to the playoffs for the first time in six seasons. Having their pivot back into the fold gives the Wizards a consistent presence in their backcourt. In addition to being excellent in the pick-and-roll and on defense, Gortat also boasts a largely clean bill of health, which is rare for his position.
The Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks were also said to be interested in Gortat's services.