The Wizards achieved a major free-agency goal yesterday when two-time All-Star forward Jamison signed a 4-year, $50 million contract.

Arenas has said he would not return unless the team also kept his longtime friend.

"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."

Two words describe Jamison above all others: steady and reliable. The 32-year-old strong locker-room leader has averaged at least 19.6 points and 7.6 rebounds each year since his arrival in Washington 2004.

Jamison previously played five seasons with Golden State and one with Dallas.

In other personnel news of note:

* Golden State point guard Baron Davis elected to become a free agent, opting out of the $17.8 million final year of his contract.

* The Timberwolves extended qualifying offers to restricted free agents Ryan Gomes, Craig Smith and Chris Richard and let Sebastian Telfair and Kirk Snyder become unrestricted free agents.

* The Los Angeles Lakers have given qualifying offers to restricted free agents Sasha Vujacic and Ronny Turiaf. They may sign an offer sheet with any team, but the Lakers have the right to match.

Noteworthy