Washington Wizards and Zydrunas Ilgauskas Agree on Buyout

Sports News - February 25th, 2010 - Written By Bryan Cross

According to ESPN.com, the Washington Wizards and Zydrunas Ilgauskas have agreed to a buy out of the center's new contract.

Ilguaskas was just recently added to the roster of the Wizards following a trade that sent former Wizard Antwan Jamison to the Cleveland Cavaliers last week. Ilguaskas never stepped on the court for Washington.

Ric Bucher of ESPN the Magazine reports that it cost Ilgauskas $1.5 million from his own pocket to go forward with the proposed buyout.

On the season, the 7-foot-3 center has averaged 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, and fit in nicely on the low post for Cleveland.

"We agreed to terms with Zydrunas on a contract buyout, giving us further financial flexibility and allowing our young big men to continue to develop over the remainder of the season," Washington president Ernie Grunfeld stated.

There is no NBA franchise that can afford to take on Ilguaskas' $11.5 million salary he is owed this season, and stay under the salary cap. This means he will become a free agent who can join any team for at least the veteran's minimum. He could rejoin the Cavaliers in as little as 30 days, but is free to join the any other team anytime.

"I'm expecting to talk to about half a dozen teams in the league, including the Cavaliers," said Herb Rudoy, who is the agent for Ilgauskas.

"He's not going to rush into anything. He has time," Rudoy added. "He'll let me know what he wants to do."

Specifically, Rudoy mentioned his client possibly becoming a member of the Dallas Mavericks.

"He definitely has some options to think about and one will definitely be the Mavs," Rudoy remarked.

Ilgauskas was benched in favor of Shaquille O'Neal this season, but a move back to the Cavs is still on the table. He has never played for any other team since being drafted by the team in 1996.

Throughout his career, he has averaged 14 points per game, and nearly eight rebounds.

Oddsmakers favor Cleveland in this year's chase for the NBA Championship. Currently, they have been installed as the betting favorite along with the L.A Lakers to win the title this season, going off at 2/1 according to the NBA Betting lines at Bodog sportsbook.