Gilbert Arenas Jr. (born January 6, 1982) is a former NBA player known for his time with the Golden State Warriors and Washington Wizards. Drafted 31st overall in the 2001 NBA Draft, Arenas was a three-time All-Star and All-NBA Team member, earning the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2003.
Nicknamed “Agent Zero” for his jersey number and clutch performances, he faced a suspension in 2009–10 due to handgun violations. Traded to the Orlando Magic in late 2010 and waived in 2011 under the amnesty clause, Arenas played his final NBA season with the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Gilbert Arenas Net Worth
Gilbert Arenas has a net worth of $10 million and earned $160 million from his NBA salary. In 2003, he bought a 13,250-square-foot mansion in Great Falls, Virginia, with a large pool grotto and shark tanks for $2.875 million, selling it at a loss for $2.5 million in 2014.
In 2015, he listed an Encino home, purchased for $3.1 million in 2007, for $3.495 million, and sold it for $3.1 million in 2022. He also sold a Calabasas home, bought in 2014 for $2.75 million, for $3.35 million in 2016.
Early life
Gilbert Arenas was born in Tampa, Florida, to Cuban parents and grew up in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. He played basketball at Ulysses S. Grant High School, where his #25 jersey was retired.
As a late bloomer, Arenas was ranked 99th in the class of 1999. At 17, he impressed Michael Jordan during a camp, leading Jordan to recommend him to Arizona coach Lute Olson. Rodney Tention later recruited Arenas to Arizona following a Summer AAU game.
Career
Gilbert Arenas played at the University of Arizona, starting 31 of 34 games as a freshman, averaging 15.4 PPG and 4.1 RPG. Despite struggling in the 2001 national championship game due to a knee injury, Arenas declared for the NBA draft.
Selected 31st overall by the Golden State Warriors in the 2001 draft, Arenas wore #0 to reflect low expectations. He debuted in November 2001, scoring his first points later that month. In his second season, he won the NBA Most Improved Player Award, averaging 18.3 PPG, 6.3 APG, and 4.7 RPG, and had a standout performance with 41 points against the Wizards.
Personal life
Gilbert Arenas, who dated Laura Govan from 2002 to 2014, has four children with her. His son Alijah is a five-star prospect for the class of 2026, while his daughter Izela is the 88th ranked prospect for 2024 and committed to Louisville. In July 2024, Arenas announced his engagement to French social media influencer Melli Monaco.
His cousins include NFL player Javier Arenas and CFL player Armando Murillo. Arenas is a friend of rapper The Game, collects autographed jerseys, and supports PETA’s anti-fur campaign. He donated $100 per point scored in the 2006–07 season to D.C. schools and mentored a boy who lost his family in a fire. Arenas wore 77 different pairs of his Adidas shoes each season. He was arrested in 2013 for possessing illegal fireworks.
What made Gilbert Arenas so good?
Arenas was stylistically avant-garde in many respects. As a crafty, score-centric point guard, he thrived beyond the arc and was a frequent visitor to the free throw line. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, his build was reminiscent of players like Victor Oladipo and Marcus Smart. He would have seamlessly fit into the modern NBA landscape.
Conclusion
While the exact net worth figures may vary across different sources, Gilbert Arenas has reportedly amassed a net worth of $20 million to $50 million throughout his career. His earnings came not only from his NBA salaries, which totaled over $163 million, but also from endorsement deals, investments, and other ventures like his podcast, “The No Chill podcast.”
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However, like many athletes, Arenas faced financial challenges post-retirement, including legal battles and financial mismanagement. Nevertheless, his contributions to the NBA and his legacy as “Agent Zero” remain unforgettable.
FAQs about Gilbert Arenas Net Worth
- Why is Gilbert Arenas called “Agent Zero”? – The nickname refers to his jersey number and his penchant for taking crucial shots when the clock hits zero.
- How much did Arenas earn during his NBA career? – Across his NBA career, Gilbert Arenas earned over $163 million in salary.
- Has Arenas faced any legal issues? – Yes, notably a firearms incident in 2009 that led to his suspension and charges for carrying a pistol without a license.
- What brands did Arenas endorse? – He notably endorsed Adidas, which even released a shoe in his name: the Adidas Gil Zero.
- Where did Gilbert Arenas go to college? – He attended the University of Arizona.
