I’m starting this column series now — cause I’ll feel a lot better about this trade if he comes back to the Cavs. There’s all kinds of banter about the league stopping the Cavs from bringing him back — but, the CBA says it can happen 30 days after the trade as long as there was no pre-determined bargain.
We all know how smart Danny Ferry is — I can’t imagine he would have done anything to screw up the chance that Z would or could come back. I’m sure there was no predetermined deal or even discussions.
He took great care to not even discuss specific trades with the players - I’m sure to prevent any foul ups. Z is getting offers from other teams — as he should. I’m sure he’ll weigh all the options — I just hope he chooses the Cavs.
Meanwhile — here’s the latest directly from Michael Lee, the beat reporter from the Wizards, It the discussion from their perspective — when he got questions about “Big Z” as they call him. (BTW - looks like the buyout might happen Monday or Tuesday — keep your fingers crossed that he chooses the Cavs)
We’ll keep you up-to-date:
Question: Now that he is fully under the cap does Grunfeld let Z leave or does his hatred of the Cavs make him hold on to Z?
Michael Lee: I think this is where negotiations come into play. Since the Wizards made that last deal to get out of luxury tax territory, they have a lot more leverage with Zydrunas Ilgauskas. I see the Wizards letting him walk eventually, but they will see how serious he is about finishing his career elsewhere based on how much money he’s willing to give back. Because you have to remember, the Wizards still need to field a team for the final 31 games (in theory, at least). Right now, they have just 12 guys - including Big Z. I will say this, I’m hoping he talks before he leaves, because it would be great if he could ask us to “buy some DVDs” like he did in that Nike puppet commercial.
Reston, Va.: Why did the Wiz need to trade Dom to Sacramento and send cash to get under the tax. They could have waited since they are reportedly going to buy out Big Z and James to get under the tax.
Or was there another reason for trading Dom? Did they want that 2nd round pick that bad?
Michael Lee: They didn’t see themselves signing Dominic McGuire after this season. He wasn’t going to play for Flip - especially with the team added two guys who play his position (Howard and Thornton). Why not give him a chance to continue his career elsewhere?
Buyout out Z and James could’ve gotten them under the tax, but there is no guarantee that the two sides could’ve reached an agreement in each instance. The Dom deal eliminated those worries and provided some leverage in negotiations with Ilgauskas and possibly James, who isn’t going to give back any money unless he can be assured that he’ll make it back somewhere else. Z already has a slew of suitors if the Wizards let him. The Wizards have been trying to deal James since October.
Holla at Z?
Dad
