The prodigal son is back. 7-3 center Zydrunas Ilgauskas was re-signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers for the remainder of the season after being waived by the Washington Wizards.
Ilagauskas, 34, has played all his 13 NBA seasons with the Cavaliers. He was part of the three-team trade last February that brought Antawn Jamison to Cleveland. The Wizards subsequently bought out his contract before he ever played a game, making him a free agent. Ilgauskas immediately drew interest from other teams who are hoping to sign the Lithuanian behemoth to bolster their frontline rotations. But the man they called “Z” had only one team in mind and that is the only team that he has ever played for. "If I would've left and the team won a championship without me," he said, "I don't think I could've ever forgave myself."
Ilgauskas signed to play for the rest of the season in Cleveland, with his new contract calling for him to receive $925,000. Forward Darnell Jackson was waived by the Cavaliers in order to make room for Ilgauskas.
"Z" has been a good friend of mine and others in the organization," said Cavaliers GM Danny Ferry, who played with Ilgauskas in Cleveland. "We're excited to have the Ilgauskas family back in Cleveland. This is where they really wanted to be."
When Shaquille O’Neal joined the team last summer, Ilgauskas came off the bench for the first time in his pro career. He is averaging a career-low of 7.5 ppg and 5.3 rpg in 53 games with Cleveland prior to the said trade.
"With a guy that is his size and with his skill level and ability to shoot the ball, he has a lot of years left in him," Cavaliers coach Mike Brown said. "We only bring positives to the organization and to our team with him in the mix."
Ilgauskas was overwhelmed by the support of Cavaliers fans who begged him to return once he became available. "The way people in Cleveland and the fans have reacted has really humbled me in a positive way," Ilgauskas said. "Their support has been unbelievable. I'm from Lithuania and I'll always be proud of it, but this has become a home to me."
And of course, Cleveland’s main man LeBron James is truly elated to welcome Ilgauskas back into the fold. "He's a good friend of mine and a great teammate," James said. "If that's the case of him coming back ... I'm excited."
It may indeed be a timely return for Ilgauskas as the Cavaliers remains the top favorite to win it all come June.
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Herewith are the completed transactions for the period March 16 to 24:
Wednesday, March 24
Houston signed forward Mike Harris.
San Antonio signed guard Curtis Jerrells.
Sacramento named Matina Kolokotronis president of business operations, John Rinehart senior vice president for business operations and Jason Levien senior vice president and assistant general manager.
Tuesday, March 23
San Antonio signed guard Garrett Temple for the remainder of the season.
Cleveland signed center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and waived forward Darnell Jackson.
Minnesota signed forward Brian Cardinal.
Monday, March 22
Golden State waived guard Raja Bell and signed guard Reggie Williams for the remainder of the season.
Minnesota waived forward Alando Tucker.
Houston named Sam Hinkie executive vice president of basketball operations.
Friday, March 19
Washington signed guard Shaun Livingston for the remainder of the season.
Thursday, March 18
Washington signed guard Alonzo Gee to a second 10-day contract.
Tuesday, March 16
Miami signed guard Kenny Hasbrouck to a 10-day contract.
Oklahoma City signed guard Mustafa Shakur to a 10-day contract.
Portland fired vice president of basketball operations Tom Penn.
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