Zydrunas Ilgauskas Announces Intentions to Return to Cleveland

Depending on the point of view, this was either the worst kept secret in the history of the NBA or it was a two weeks of nostalgia-laced suspense.   Regardless, result that was expected as much as it was awaited was announced yesterday evening as center Zydrunas Ilgauskas plans on returning to Cleveland.

Traded to Washington just before the NBA deadline, Ilgauskas was subsequently bought out without seeing a minute of action with the the DC-based Wizards.  Speculation ran through the media as there were rumors of a potential block by the NBA as well as several other teams involved in courting the veteran for the remainder of the 2010 season – and perhaps more.  But not long after Ilgauskas’ agent Herb Rudoy claimed that his client experienced hurt feelings, it was announced that the former 20th overall selection planned on returning to the Cavaliers.

In an email to the media, Rudoy stated the following:

“It is Zydrunas’ desire to return to the Cavaliers if a suitable contract can be agreed upon. He has been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the outpouring of support and affection by the fans and by his teammates. He hopes to return to bring a championship to the Cavaliers and to the city of Cleveland.”

Cavaliers beat writer Brian Windhorst reported approximately one week ago that Ilgauskas was the recipient of a good amount of fan mail following the trade.  And just this week, many of the Cavaliers went out of their way to meet up with the center between their games with the New York Knicks and New Jersey Nets.  And we cannot count out the emotional impact of nearly 200 haikus.

The contract talks are slated to begin on March 22 as this places both parties outside of the 30-day restricted window.  The Cavaliers have their bi-annual exception to offer Ilgauskas, which will pay him approximately $2 million per season for two years.  As mentioned on Twitter late yesterday, Ilgauskas has been paid approximately $112,530,000 over his entire career with the Cavaliers.