May 25, 2013

Reviewing Z’s Options

February 25, 2010 by 38 Comments

Zydrunas IlgauskasStill getting a lot of questions about Zydrunas Ilgauskas and what will happen next. Here are Z’s options and a timetable according to the best of my knowledge. Hopefully we can put the topic to rest soon.

Zydrunas has been bought out from his contract, and has been waived. He must clear waivers in order to become a free agent. This is not an issue as any team that wants to claim him would have to have $11.5 million dollars of cap room left. You can guess how many teams have that kind of room- none. This means that after the 48 hour window is over Zydrunas would be free to sign a deal with any team he chooses. If Zydrunas chooses to sign with the Cavaliers, he would have to wait until March 21st to join the Cavs. Yes, he would still be eligible for the playoffs.

Zydrunas could choose to sign with any team he wants for a pro-rated portion of the veteran’s minimum salary. Teams can also use whatever amounts they have left under the cap, or use their salary exceptions if they still have them. The Cavaliers will offer Zydrunas their Bi-Annual Exception of around $1.9 million.

Teams said to be interested in Zydrunas and what they can offer him:

Dallas- The Mavericks have Brendan Heywood and Erick Dampier at the center spot. Zydrunas would be an upgrade there and probably even start. They only have the Bi-Annual to offer Z, so they can’t ‘outbid’ the Cavs for Ilgauskas.

Denver- The team with the best shot to knock the Lakers off in the West would love to add Zydrunas. That would give them a front line of Nene and Z to counter Bynum and Gasol. If Denver had the full Mid-Level to offer it might be a tougher decision for Z. As it is they can only offer the Bi-Annual, or the same as Cleveland.

Atlanta- The Hawks actually can outbid Cleveland for Ilgauskas. Would they? I have to imagine they will offer as much as they can. I don’t think that Zydrunas would start over Al Horford. I also question whether Ilgauskas feels they are truly a championship contender. Don’t think for a moment that Z is signing anywhere that he doesn’t believe has a good chance to win the prize.

Utah- I’d put the Jazz in the same category as the Hawks. Actually, I don’t think they have as strong a chance as Atlanta to reach the Finals. They can offer Z more money than the Cavs though.

There are so many reasons to believe that the Cavs are the strong favorites. There is so much to be said for familiarity. Especially this late in the season. He has good friends here. They all want him back. The only way I could see Zydrunas signing somewhere else is if he is truly angry at the Cavaliers for trading him, and wants to spite them. I just can’t see that happening. Not with all that he’s been through here.

His agent says that Z will decide by the end of the weekend where he will play. I expect Z to announce his intent to play with the Cavs. Enjoy the vacation Big Z. Stay in shape. Play with those new sons of yours.

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  • Matt from Lyndhurst

    The March 21st date….. If he choses the Cavs, can he PRACTICE with them before then, just not play an official game until the 21st?

  • http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/ Rick

    My understanding is no. He wouldn’t be involved in any team activities until the 21st. Except maybe pick-up games at LeBron’s house…

  • http://www.zfcomics.com dgriff13

    oh sure, he has “options”… but really, there’s only one. ;0)

  • http://www.msblsim.com boogeyman

    oh sure, he has “options”… but really, there’s only one. ;0)

    Sign with the Lakers and win a ring? ;) Sorry I couldn’t resist. Like I said in another topic until Z is back I’ll believe it when I see it until then we can all play Dr. Mindbender and Dr. Phil and be talking heads like on ESPN. Btw did anyone see Rick’s outfit today? The red go go boots, the plaid pants…

  • http://waitingfornextyear.com Jaythetruth

    If Z doesn’t come back then we might not win a championship. Not because of his production but because of the feel. His just being around, his leadership. I think Lebron NOT having Z in the locker room come playoff time will have an serious affect on Lebron. I think it has had a little affect on him already. Z needs to get back home or the KING will NOT win a ring.

  • http://www.msblsim.com boogeyman

    @5 With all due respect I think your wrong but your entiteld to your opinion. Like I said earlier it’s a great, warm, fuzzy story if Z returns but give me a break if his presence is what this current team needs to win it all then this team isn’t as good as we all think. No offense to Z he’s good at his role but once again when a role isn’t asked or expected to deliver alot then there is no reason not to expect that role player to bring their best and deliver what is asked. Just my opinion.

  • LBJsfrom330

    I can’t imagine Z would want to spite the Cavs. I hope he comes back for his addition to team chemistry and he deserves to be a part of any Cavs trip deep into the playoffs, but this is a two way street. The organization stuck by him through all his foot problems, and he has been loyal in return. I don’t believe there is any enmity between him and the cavs to bar his return.

  • http://waitingfornextyear.com Jaythetruth

    @Boogey, Well the truth is, i think Z can defend Gasol better than Andy could and in that case that allows Andy to bang with Odom which helps us. Z can only be a good thing in the Fianls vs the Lakers. Can we get to the Finals without Z? YES but beat the Lakers without him? NO.

  • AMC

    @5- I thik Z’s biggest effect on the court with the Cavs is not necessarily his skill set, which is diminished, but still useful, it’s the fact that he allows Shaq to play less minutes and play more aggressively during those minutes and allows Andy to play backup PF, his natural position. Andy also becomes more free to rebound with more length on the interior.

  • http://www.waitingfornextyear.com/ Rick

    AMC wins. To be honest, I don’t know if they get past Orlando without Z.

  • MattC

    Can one of you esteemed WFNY writers please lay the journalistic smackdown on Gene Wochjiehibhdjabjswski’s front page story on ESPN suggesting LeBron, Bosh, and Wade will go to NY for $11 million each in hopes of building a basketball legacy?

    This is among the gems in the article from this perennial, NY-centric buffoon:

    “LeBron could leave $30 million on the table if he ditches the Cavs.

    I’d ditch them. If you’re really serious about creating a brand and a basketball legacy, do something that’s never been done before. Don’t max out; min out.”

  • Adam

    @9 – totally agree, our front court is great right now but with Z it is absolutely solid. Two good natural centers and two good natural PF’s. I like JJ but i dont want to have to rely on production from him if we dont have to.

    Are there any rules about playing with gloves on? We should get JJ a set of recievers gloves. Maybe he would catch a stinking entry pass every once in a while.

  • Chrisjake

    So, can Z actually SIGN with the Cavs this weekend and just not play for 30 days? ….or does he actually have to wait the 30 days to put his name on the contract?

  • Matt C

    Does anyone else immediately stop reading someone’s comment when you see the misuse of “you’re/your,” “lose/loose,” or “definately?” I realize this is a casual environment, but we all have middle school educations here. I, for one, can’t take you seriously if you can’t get basic grammar or spelling under control.

    Grammar Police out.

  • Tron

    Matt i just saw that article and was actually enraged enough to send that hack an email, something I never do. It’s unbelievable ESPN put that crap on the front page.

  • Matt#2

    Like boogeyman, I don’t think Z is a lock.
    Unlike some: Spite? That is jilted lover peremptory trash talk.
    Let a man decide.
    Z and God alone know Z’s motives.
    I think getting Z would help mucho gigante grandemundo.

  • MattC

    @ Tron – I went so far as to enter his e-mail address in GMail, but then closed the window. It’s not worth it. The guy is a first-rate a-hole.

  • todd

    why wouldn’t z be a lock? he will benefit here better than with any other team in the league at this point. this city loves z and as far as i can tell he feels the same. the only thing that might let this not happen is if the league decides that it’s not kosher. but danny took his picture down so that takes care of that.

  • Jake In Ohio City (Natty The Dog)

    Will the NBA really allow the Knicks to pick up 3 “superstar” quality players on one team? I think the NBA would die anywhere outside of NY until those guys retired. No other team would have a chance at a title run for YEARS, and so many fans would stop watching the NBA.

    Part of the new CBA needs to state that players are ranked by stats, level 1-4, any players labeled “level 1″ can’t play together on the same team.

    So no Bron and Roy, or Kobe and Bosh, or Wade and Bosh. I’d say nobody over 25ppg.

  • MattyFos

    A few things to know about ESPN and the NBA
    1. ESPN loves Dwayne Wade
    2. ESPN loves Kevin Durant
    3. ESPN tends to ignore all things Cavs, except LBJ
    4. ESPN loves New York, Boston, Chicago and Los Angeles
    5. The Cavs will never get credit from ESPN and the team will never be big players in the LBJ sweepstakes, according to ESPN, because ESPN wants LBJ playing in New York. Or with the Clippers. So ESPN can make a ESPNLA rivalry with LBJ and Kobe.

  • Jake In Ohio City (Natty The Dog)

    A team builds a legendary roster through the draft and trades. We had luck on our side and “got ours”. I hate how people who are from NY think they are just obligated to have everyone else’s top players in their city.

  • Jake In Ohio City (Natty The Dog)

    MattyFos – - That just sums it up. I don’t disagree with anything you said. It goes for all sports as well.

  • Gren

    5. ESPN has a ESPNCleveland.com but, never brings it up with the pretty graphic all the other ESPNblahblah.com’s get. I even saw an ESPNDenver.com graphic the other day :( …. That’s it, I’m on it ! Photoshop away !

  • http://waitingfornextyear.com Jaythetruth

    Bosh will stay in Toronto. Im sure of that.

  • MattC

    The overwhelming point of it all is that no matter what any of these guys say, at the end of the day, it’s 100% ALL about money, LBJ included. Now sure, maybe if the Cavs were terrible and he could go somewhere championship-ready for $2 million less, I could see that.

    But to sit there and suggest guys like LBJ and Wade will leave $30 million on the table to satisfy some NY-loving sycophant ESPN writer’s masturbatory fantasy is hilarious.

  • Gren

    http://i47.tinypic.com/2lu45xw.png – I feel better now.

  • 5KMD

    You want to piss off your union? As a max player, except less than max salary when you could get it. In fact, have a couple of your buddies do it too.

    (by the way Matt, I got “your” right both times and used the right “too”)

  • http://www.msblsim.com boogeyman

    @8 Jay now this I can agree with Z’s presence would be welcomed verse the Lakers no doubt which is why I hope he does indeed return. Heck forget just the Lakers getting Z back will help Shaq to have to play less minutes this is a no brainer and no one should mistake what I say about Z I want him back, I know he’ll help and I appreciate what he’s done and want #11 to be retired but it’s a two way street. The Cavaliers drafted him, they stuck with him and they have been as loyal to Z as they have to LeBron James so lets see what Z does just like lets see what LeBron does in the summer.

    And of course ESPN is biased towards the major cities why wouldn’t/shouldn’t they be? Who cares already, isn’t beating this drum tiresome already? Just be happy you have a major market owner in Dan Gilbert and even Randy Lerner and not a small market owner/excuse maker like Larry Dolan or other wise you could change the name of this web site to Waiting For Next Millenium! :(

  • http://www.zfcomics.com dgriff13

    Waitaminute. WAIT A MINUTE. I cannot believe I did not pick up no this. What is the first game, once Z is resigned, that he can play? March 21st vs the Pistons? If so, I may lose my mind.. I have tickets to that game! My first ever home Cavs game, driving all the way over from Philly!

    *pants*

  • Matt#2

    5KMD

    That’s the line I’ve heard about baseball players. I think it’s an “all ships rise” concept for MLB, which I understand to have no salary cap. I think there may be substantially less pressure to take the max in a salary capped league, like the NBA. I think it would mean more money for the other guys.

    Nevertheless, I have to think that a Team USA thing in the NBA would be very unrewarding. I can’t imagine anyone paying attention.

  • MP34

    I’d be worried about Dallas if they could outbid the Cavs. Dallas isn’t that big and would love Z.

    And I don’t know if anyone has seen them play this year but Nowitzki’s 1v1 outside shooting is what Lebron wishes he had. The guy is smooth as silk. /tangent

  • http://www.msblsim.com boogeyman

    @30 Oh don’t believe for a minute any labor union and this comes from a pro labor union person would want a laborer of any kind to take less money for work. Ain’t gonna happen. Not only this but I can’t imagine anyone let me repeat anyone in the camp of LeBron James advising him to take a penny less for some dream scenario like playing in NY with Wade and Bosh. This scenario is almost laughable only more laughable is an actual writer who puts forth this notion and wants to be considered worthwhile in the future. This is how you lose credibility. This kind of scenario wreaks of being a fan and not an unbiased reporter now keep in mind I haven’t read the supposed article on LBJ, Wade and Bosh but given the source I’m not surprised.

  • http://www.msblsim.com boogeyman

    @31 I don’t think Z would be as useful now with Haywood in Dallas. I’ve seen the Mavericks like 3-4x already, I guess they are the medias new darlings and Haywood fits perfectly. Plus Dampier will be back too.

  • Matt#2

    boogeyman

    I may have cobwebs in my head, but I thought I heard at 31 Flavors that MJ took less to help the Bulls.

  • http://www.msblsim.com boogeyman

    @34 Michael Jordan lived and lives by his own rules so he’s not applicable just like when he gambled freely and yet continued to play basketball without a problem. I wonder what Pete Rose thought about that situation.

    Anyways you could be right but that was a different time. At least that’s what I think maybe I’m wrong I don’t know.

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  • coach g

    Listen to the people who know. Number one expert, Shaq:

    “Me and Z are the best center in the NBA”, and “I don’t have to worry, I can just go out and play hard and not save fouls because I have the 2nd best center backing me up.”

    Anyone who doesn’t understand that Shaq and Z are the 2 biggest bigs in the NBA this year and that’s what the CAVS XL patch is all about?

    Z has got PLENTY of game left and his blocks, altered shots, and mid to outside shooting not to mention FT % makes it very hard for teams to adjust it’s such a change from Shaq.

    Z is still awesome, and if he is not back, the Cavs outsmarted themselves and are much less likely to go all the way than if they have Z.

    Does he get bonus Nike money if he is on the roster with LBJ? Z’s puppet is better than Kobe’s puppet!!!!!!

  • Clark

    @27 And then used the wrong “accept”

  • http://blog.cleveland.com/anger-management/index.html Anger Management

    Has anyone discussed the possibility that Z gets signed to a deal that also includes money for next year?

    Could Dallas or Denver offer Z their exception this year, but then include next year at say 10 million dollars? If I am Z’s agent, I only let Z go where he is being offered a contract for both this year and next year as well.

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