MIAMI — Zydrunas Ilgauskas is
following LeBron James to the Miami Heat.
The veteran center, who started
playing for Cleveland in 1997 and has never suited up for another NBA
team, expects to sign a two-year contract with the Heat later this week,
agent Herb Rudoy said Tuesday. The two-year deal would come with a
player option for the second season, Rudoy said.
"We've agreed to agree," Rudoy
said.
The Heat had no immediate
comment. They had talks about acquiring Ilgauskas when he was available
this past season after being dealt in a three-team trade to Washington.
The Wizards subsequently bought out his contract and made him a free
agent.
Ilgauskas is the Cavs' career
leader in games played, blocked shots and rebounds. The 7-foot-3
Lithuanian was drafted by the club in 1996 and overcame serious foot
injuries that nearly ended his career.
He's just the latest name to join
what shapes up as a serious title contender in Miami, joining not only
James but Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller, who
agreed to a deal late last week that remains unsigned.
"His best chance to win a
championship would be in Miami," Rudoy said.
Ilgauskas told Cavs owner Dan
Gilbert and general manager Chris Grant the news on Tuesday. James
played a role in luring Ilgauskas to Miami, and other teams were
interested as well.
Ilgauskas was immensely popular
in Cleveland, and expects to keep a home in the city.
"It's hard," Rudoy said. "It's
been 14 years. It was very hard for him. I know that. When he called
Chris Grant and Dan Gilbert today, it was definitely a hard decision at
this stage of his career. But he wants to win a championship. That's how
he made this decision."
Playing as a reserve for the
first time, Ilgauskas averaged 7.4 points and 5.4 rebounds last season.
For his career, Ilgauskas has averaged 13.8 points and 7.7 rebounds,
plus has played in two All-Star games.