NBA Free Agents 2011: Gilbert Arenas Enters Market as Second-Rate Player

It's always hard to determine when a superstar simply becomes just another basketball player. That may have happened to Gilbert Arenas before this week, but the official signs of his decline is now quite evident. 

Welcome to being a second-class citizen in the NBA, Agent Zero. Teams used to overpay for your services, and now they would rather not pay you at all. Your future may very well be tied to another's fortune and you may not have any say in where you play next. 

My, what has happened to you? 

Arenas has been amnestied and is now living the life of a free agent, but not one that floats to the top of anyone's list. 

Marc Stein of ESPN reports Arenas was amnestied and has since cleared waivers. Agent Zero can now join any team that he chooses. According to sources, that may be wherever the best big man in the game goes.

In the report, Stein writes Arenas, "hopes to join Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard wherever Howard is traded." That would make perfect sense for the Nets who could use some depth in the front court. And that is exactly what seems to be the case. 

ESPN's Chris Broussard tweeted what would be the most fortunate landing spot for Arenas.

The Nets would be a perfect spot for Arenas who could come in and be the third option in an offense powered by Howard first, then Deron Williams. That is, of course, if Howard is even dealt that way. 

If not, Arenas will be taken by a team that needs added depth, not a superstar. Stein made a point to report that no team under the cap made a play on Arenas when he was amnestied. 

It's abundantly clear that he doesn't hold the same sway the he once did as a prolific scorer. He is just a good player with a dicey past. Those are a dime a dozen in the NBA. 

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