The Washington Wizards, who just days ago appeared to be the front-runners for Golden State Warriors free agent Gilbert Arenas, now have stiff competition from the Los Angeles Clippers, who made Arenas an offer tonight, according to a source close to the situation.

The Wizards have reportedly offered Arenas a six-year, $60 million contract. The notoriously thrifty Clippers tonight made Arenas a similar deal, the source said.

To clear money for last season's most improved player, the Clippers might not match the offer sheet restricted free agent guard Corey Maggette signed with the Utah Jazz (starting at $7 million) so they can have the money to offer Arenas.

The Clippers also today matched the Miami Heat's offer sheet to forward Elton Brand (six years, $82 million), but the team is not expected to match the offer sheet restricted free agent point guard Andre Miller signed with the Denver Nuggets (starting at $7 million).

What could determine the Clippers' decision on matching Maggette or signing Arenas is whether they can reach an affordable deal with swingman Lamar Odom, a restricted free agent. If they can come to terms with Odom on a deal that allows them to compete with Washington's offer for Arenas, they could very well land the 6-foot-3 third-year point guard. Arenas, who went to high school in Van Nuys, Calif., and played college ball at Arizona, is believed to prefer to stay on the West Coast.

The Warriors are also hoping to keep Arenas but they have only the $4.9 million exception to offer because they are over the salary cap. Both teams were hoping to get an answer on Arenas's plans maybe as soon as Monday. However, with today's developments, Arenas may wait to ponder his options some more.

The Wizards, Clippers and Warriors might not be the only teams in the running for Arenas. The Heat has more than $13 million available under the cap and the Jazz, roughly $20 million under the salary cap, also is interested in Arenas.