Al Thornton to become a restricted free agent

Al Thornton will definitely be a restricted free agent after this season. Billy Duffy, Thorton's agent, said on Tuesday that his client would not sign an extension by next Monday's deadline.

"I think Al's about to go to a whole other level and I think the way he's perceived right now, I think there is going to be an ability to enhance his reputation around the league and within that organization," Duffy said in a telephone interview on Tuesday. "I don't think he's had enough time there to really demonstrate what his new value will be moving forward. I think he has a huge upside and will have a huge role on that team."

Duffy added, "It's worth our while to wait."

According to a league source with knowledge of the situation, the Wizards were never interested in engaging in negotiations for extensions for any of their fourth-year players and intent on letting Thornton, Nick Young and Yi Jianlian become restricted free agents next summer. The representatives for Yi and Young did not pursue extensions for their clients, either.