C.J. Watson makes his offseason home in Las Vegas so he knows a little something about gambling. Apparently, he's going to roll the dice.Two NBA sources confirmed that Watson will soon take a one-year qualifying offer from the Golden State Warriors worth $1.05 million. What that means is Watson said no to a three-year contract from the Warriors worth $5.4 million.
The Warriors, per team policy, did not comment on the pending signing. Calls to Watson's agent, Mike Higgins, were not returned.
Apparently, Watson didn't want to commit to three years with the Warriors, in large part because they have so many point guards currently under contract. Taking the one-year qualifying offer is risky, however.
For one, Watson is leaving more than $4 million on the table, a gutsy move for someone who was playing in the D-League less than two years ago. In addition, when Watson's contract expires at the end of 2009-10 he'll be in the exact same spot he was this past summer: a restricted free agent.
The Warriors and Orlando Magic talked about a possible sign-and-trade for Watson at various times this offseason. Watson also turned down a one-year, $2.3 million offer from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Watson had announced to his Twitter followers early last week that he would be returning to the Warriors, and various reports had Watson taking the one-year qualifying offer. At the time, Higgins, said that Watson was deciding between the two offers.
The Warriors' initial offer to Watson earlier this summer was for three years, $4.5 million. But in recent weeks, the team sweetened that offer and included a player opt out for Year No. 3.
More Steinmetz on Twitter: @matt_steinmetz
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