Washington Wizards Set To Re-Sign Center Marcin Gortat

The Washington Wizards kicked off the free agency period with a bang offering center Marcin Gortat a five-year deal. The terms of the contract remain unclear, but the offer shows Washington’s continued efforts to keep in tack the roster that allowed the team to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Head Coach Randy Whittman and Senior Vice President Tommy Shepard visited Gortat in Poland for a summer camp in yet another display of the Wizards support and desire to retain Gortat. It appears the 30-year old will accept the contract offered by the team later today as the pair works out a few minor details before finalizing the deal

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. Gortat is looking for a fully guaranteed contract and Washington has catered to the big man’s needs.

The re-signing of the “Polish Hammer” establishes Washington with one of the best inside-out presences in the Eastern Conference. Also, with LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh opting out of their contracts, the Wizards may immediately be among the favorites in the conference.

The fine print of the deal will be integral to the flexibility Washington has moving forward. The Wizards hope to also sign Trevor Ariza so they will need every dollar they can get. Finally, if Washington is able to add one more veteran bench player they will be looking to win their first Eastern Conference crown since 1979.