Just days after the Wizards expressed optimism regarding the return of guard Gilbert Arenas, their stance has quickly changed.

Caron Butler said he didn't expect Arenas to return from his September knee surgery during a radio interview on Thursday.

"I really don't think it's gonna happen," Butler said.

Arenas also expressed uncertainty about the possibly of a return from his third knee surgery since April 2007.

"I don't know. I mean, seven wins? Would you?" said Arenas, who last July signed a six-year, $111 million contract to remain in Washington. "And truthfully, right now, I'm not even close."