The Washington Wizards made their pitch to Golden State Warriors free agent guard Gilbert Arenas knowing they would have competition for his services. Now, with his hometown Los Angeles Clippers extending him an offer similar to the six-year, $60 million deal Washington has on the table, the Wizards await his answer while making sure they have backup options in place.

"We've done everything we can do," Wizards President of Basketball Operations Ernie Grunfeld said. "The whole time we've been speaking to other free agents and we'll keep doing that."

A source close to Arenas said the Wizards are still very much in play, but Arenas has made it clear all along that he would prefer to stay in the western part of the country, where he grew up and attended college (Arizona). The Clippers have to maneuver players or contracts to make room to sign Arenas and any prolonged contingencies could prompt Arenas to sign with the Wizards.