Davis opts out of deal in surprise to Warriors

In a surprise move, Golden State point guard Baron Davis elected to become a free agent Monday night, opting out of the final $17.8-million season of his six-year contract with the Warriors.

The Warriors didn’t expect him to opt out despite little progress in the parties’ long-term contract negotiation, but club spokesman Raymond Ridder said they received a letter from Davis’ agent, Todd Ramasar, late Monday indicating his intentions.

Davis still could return to Golden State as a free agent, but his opt-out clause was his only bit of leverage in forcing contract talks with the Warriors before next summer. The former All-Star also is free to negotiate with other clubs, possibly facilitating a sign-and-trade deal.

Davis, 29, averaged 21.8 points, 7.6 assists and 4.7 rebounds while playing in all 82 games last season for the Warriors, who finished with the best record in recent NBA history for a non-playoff team.

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The Washington Wizards achieved a major free-agency goal when forward Antawn Jamison agreed to a four-year, $50-million contract. The deal also could bring back point guard Gilbert Arenas, who opted out and said he would not return unless the team also kept his longtime friend and unrestricted free agent.

“He said he’d take less money if they got me, and they got me,” Jamison told the Associated Press. “So I think everything will get worked out with Gilbert.”

Jamison, 32, averaged 21.4 points and a career-high 10.2 rebounds last season.

Arenas is believed to be seeking about $100 million over six years.