Money Not An Issue for Andray Blatche This Summer

Andray Blatche has enjoyed a career-rejuvenating season so far with the Nets after being amnestied by the Washington Wizards this past summer. After a full season of being out of shape and pretty much pushed aside by the Wizards organization, Blatche signed with the new kids on the block, the Brooklyn Nets, and has put up outstanding numbers as the teams backup center.

The Nets, as we all know, are strapped for cash this coming offseason after the spending spree that occurred last summer. But Blatche says that money won't be an issue for him during his impending free agency this summer. For the Nets, this means that they will have a chance to re-sign him this summer. Even though they do not own his bird rights.

“I’m very aware (of my unique situation),” Blatche said. “That’s what I’m saying. Everybody is probably thinking I’m looking to get that big check. I’m not. Not at all. I’m looking at what’s best for me.”

What IS best for him?

“An opportunity to continue to play and win.”

The Wizards left the 26-year old Blatche hanging last year. He felt as if they brushed him off and abandoned him after his struggles during the season. This gives him all-the-more incentive to make things harder on Washington. The Wizards will be forced to pay Blatche through the 2014-15 season after signing him to a new contract and then amnestying him the following summer. He was owed around $23 million when he was waived.

“If I get a lot (in my next contract), yeah, it’s going to take pressure off the Wizards,” he said. “But that’s why I’m not going to do that.”

Blatche has found a home with the Nets after devoting his entire summer to fitness and, with just one off-court issue, has revived his career while averaging 10.1 points and 5.1 rebounds playing behind Brook Lopez this season.

Source: New York Daily News

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