Antawn Jamison became a restricted free agent in the NBA during the summer of 2006, shaping the Washington Wizards' decisions around roster construction and salary management. His contract status that offseason drew attention from multiple teams and influenced league discussions about player movement.
The following sections break down the specifics of Antawn Jamison contract, valuation, and market impact using structured data and focused analysis.
| Season | Team | Salary | Contract Type | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–07 | Washington Wizards | $7.01 million | RFA tender | One-year qualifying offer; matched by Wizards |
| 2007–08 | Washington Wizards | $7.92 million | Multi-year extension | Signed mid-season; included team options |
| 2008–09 | Dallas Mavericks | $6.04 million | Trade acquisition | Traded from Washington; veteran minimum influence |
| 2009–10 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $1.87 million | Short-term deal | Final NBA season; role player contribution |
Market Value of Antawn Jamison Contract in 2006
Valuation and RFA Process
In 2006, Antawn Jamison was viewed as a solid starter and defensive specialist, keeping his market value elevated despite modest scoring numbers. The Wizards submitted a one-year RFA tender at $7.01 million, reflecting his perceived worth and the team’s intention to retain him.
Comparisons to Similar Players
His value was benchmarked against comparable small forwards in the league who provided perimeter defense and spacing. Teams recognized his ability to contribute immediately without requiring a high draft pick or extensive development time.
Team Strategy and Long-Term Planning
Wizards' Approach to RFA Retention
The decision to match other offers for Jamison was aligned with preserving continuity during a rebuilding phase. His versatility allowed the Wizards to experiment with different lineups while maintaining a consistent defensive identity.
Impact on Cap Space
By retaining Jamison, Washington committed to a higher payroll in the near term but avoided the risk of losing a role player to a division rival on a more expensive long-term deal. This choice influenced their ability to pursue other targets in subsequent windows.
Performance Context and Role Evolution
Statistical Production and Usage Rate
Jamison’s minutes and efficiency reflected a sixth-man role at times, particularly during periods of transition. His field goal percentage and rebounding numbers supported a steady, if not explosive, contribution model.
Defensive and Leadership Influence
Beyond box scores, his communication on defense and mentoring of younger players added intangible value. Teams often placed a premium on these traits when considering mid-market veterans.
Strategic Takeaways for Evaluating Restricted Free Agents
- Match RFA tenders when continuity and defensive versatility are priorities.
- Compare market offers against similar positional players and cap implications.
- Consider long-term roster plans before committing to multi-year extensions.
- Account for performance variance and role evolution when projecting value.
FAQ
Reader questions
What was the value of Antawn Jamison contract in 2006?
The Wizards matched a one-year RFA tender worth $7.01 million to retain him for the 2006–07 season.
Did any team submit a higher offer sheet than the Wizards in 2006?
No qualifying offer from another team was publicized, so the Wizards’ tender remained the controlling offer.
How did Jamison’s contract affect the Wizards’ salary cap situation?
Matching the tender increased payroll pressure in the short term but preserved roster stability and avoided surrendering a key rotation player.
Why did Jamison eventually leave the Wizards in 2008?
A mid-season trade to Dallas sent him to a contender, reflecting both Washington’s strategic recalibration and his pursuit of a fresh opportunity.