Orlando’s move stunned him, leaving him without a big contract and, for a spell, a team. So DeShawn Stevenson played for the minimum, gambling that he could land a bigger deal.
He won.
“I’ve made it up now,” he said Tuesday, when the Wizards officially announced his re-signing. Stevenson signed a four-year deal worth $15 million.
Last summer, Orlando pulled a three-year, $10.5 million off the table without warning as Stevenson waited to see if other teams would go higher.
Stevenson’s return means the Wizards won’t have a starter learning the Princeton offense.
“We’re a step ahead of the game,” Wizards coach Eddie Jordan said.
Washington is over the salary cap and still must use some of its mid-level exception to sign restricted free agent Andray Blatche.
Stevenson started all 82 regular-season games, averaging 11.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
“He’s a tough, hard-nosed competitor,” Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said. “He understands his role.”
Stevenson ignored any contract distractions during the season.
“It’s tough because you have family calling and you have to go out and produce,” he said. “You have to be strong and just play hard. … I felt like I showed what I could do during the regular season.”
