Atkins, Wizards agree to buyout
January 18, 2006
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Chucky Atkins and the Washington Wizards agreed Wednesday to a buyout of the veteran guard's contract.
Atkins, who didn't appear in Washington's past five games, said he wanted to play more minutes because he's in the final year of his contract.
"He has been a real professional and this will allow him an opportunity to look for a situation that will give him the playing time that he desires," Wizards president of basketball operations Ernie Grunfeld said.
Atkins, acquired during the offseason in the trade that sent Kwame Brown to the Los Angeles Lakers, was due to make $4.5 million this season.
He started two games for the Wizards this season, averaging 6.7 points and 2.5 assists in just under 20 minutes per game. His playing time varied wildly in Washington, ranging from fewer than 10 minutes in some games to as many as 45.
He recently missed four games to be with his wife while she gave birth. He was inactive when he returned for Monday's game against Philadelphia.
