picking up billups' option and then amnestying him was under two different gm's. walsh picked up his option and then was fired/resigned and grunwald took over after the lockout. it wasnt some "lets pick up his option today and then amnesty him tomorrow." if they didnt pick up the option they would have no cap space to sign anyone so logically they picked it up. no one saw an amnesty coming in late april/early may.