HoopsHype.com Rumors

Scott said earlier in the season that Ilgauskas would spend time this summer and in training camp working with Tristan Thompson, but both Scott and Grant said on Friday that isn’t true. “Z doesn’t want to coach,” Scott said. “Jamahl [Mosley] has done an excellent job with Tristan. He’s our big man coach.” Akron Beacon Journal

Cleveland Cavaliers, Coaching, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

Scott said there's a good possibility Cavs special assistant to the general manager Zydrunas Ilgauskas will work with forward/center Tristan Thompson this summer. Ilgauskas, who retired before this season, is also expected to help out at training camp. "He's a great guy to look up to and learn from," Thompson said. "Us having the opportunity of him coming out of retirement and coach us a little bit is great for our program." News-Herald

Cleveland Cavaliers, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

On the eve of the 2010 trade deadline, the Cavaliers were embroiled in trade talks with the Phoenix Suns. According to sources, the Cavs were offering forward J.J. Hickson, center Zydrunas Ilgauskas and their first-round pick to the Suns for All-Star forward/center Amar'e Stoudemire. Rumors surfaced all over the league the deal was nixed because then-Cavs general manager Danny Ferry wouldn't part with the promising Hickson. Let's set the record straight: It was the Suns who vetoed the trade. News-Herald

Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Trade, Amare Stoudemire, JJ Hickson, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

It’s only a matter of time before the Cavaliers retire former center Zydrunas Ilgauskas’ No. 11 jersey. One operative said it’s not a matter of if. It’s a matter of when. It will happen, probably this season some time. No ceremony has been scheduled for the special assistant to general manager Chris Grant. The Cavs haven’t had any discussions yet regarding the event, but they’ll eventually schedule it. They’ll have to make sure the schedules of Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, Grant, Ilgauskas and his family line up. Ilgauskas’ two adopted sons are going to school in the Miami area. “We didn’t talk about any of the specifics,” Ilgauskas said recently. “If that day will come, it will be a big honor and a great accomplishment.” Morning Journal

Cleveland Cavaliers, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

Chris Tomasson: More LeBron on Finnan Big Z report-'He meant a lot to their franchise..Going through all his foot surgeries.. I think it's a great moment' Twitter

Cleveland Cavaliers, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

It's only a matter of time before the Cavaliers retire former center Zydrunas Ilgauskas' No. 11 jersey. One team official said it's not a matter of if. It's a matter of when. News-Herald

Cleveland Cavaliers, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

It will happen, probably this season. No ceremony has been scheduled for the new special assistant to general manager Chris Grant. The Cavs haven't had any discussions yet regarding the event, but they'll eventually schedule it. They'll have to make sure the schedules of Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, Grant, Ilgauskas and his family line up. Ilgauskas' two adopted sons are going to school in the Miami area. "We didn't talk about any of the specifics," Ilgauskas said recently. "If that day will come, it will be a big honor and a great accomplishment." News-Herald

Cleveland Cavaliers, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

Zydrunas Ilgauskas, one of the most popular players in Cleveland Cavaliers history, is returning to the franchise. The team announced yesterday that Ilgauskas will serve as a special assistant to general manager Chris Grant. He will be involved with front-office responsibilities, including evaluation of amateur and pro prospects. Columbus Dispatch

Cleveland Cavaliers, Chris Grant, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

Zydrunas Ilgauskas is back with the Cavs as a special assistant to General Manager Chris Grant, the team announced on Wednesday. Ilgauskas played 12 of his 13 seasons in the NBA with the Cavs and holds team records for games played, blocks, rebounds and offensive rebounds. He is second all-time in scoring. “I am really excited to come back to the Cavaliers, a team that I have so much history with and contributing to our future success,” Ilgauskas said in a release. “I’m also looking forward to learning more about this game that I love so much.” Ilgauskas’ duties haven’t been defined yet by the team. There is a conference call with Ilgauskas scheduled for later this afternoon. Akron Beacon Journal

Cleveland Cavaliers, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

“We are very pleased to have Z begin the next phase of his basketball career with the Cavaliers and I am looking forward to working closely with him,” Grant said. “Z has always had a great desire to learn and succeed and he already has a deep understanding and appreciation of the game and the NBA. We are extremely happy to welcome him back as part of our franchise.” Akron Beacon Journal

Cleveland Cavaliers, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

Chris Tomasson: Agent Herb Rudoy said no thoughts of Zydrunas Ilgauskas changing his mind. "As of two days ago, he said he's still planning to retire.'' Twitter

Free Agency, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

Anthony Parker: Congrats to big Z on a great career! Enjoyed our brief time as teammates and all the dinners with @Anderson Varejao! God Bless you man! Twitter

Anthony Parker, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Anderson Varejao 

Mary Schmitt Boyer/Tom Reed: More Andy (Varejao): "I have to thank Z for helping me through my career . . . more than that, I have to thank Z for the great friend he is." #Cavs Twitter

Cleveland Cavaliers, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Anderson Varejao 

Brian Windhorst: Personal tip of cap to Zydrunas Ilgauskas for going 13 years with those feet. You can't believe what he went through behind scenes to play Twitter

Cleveland Cavaliers, Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

Former Cavaliers center Zydrunas Ilgauskas told the Plain Dealer today he is retired after 13 NBA seasons and two trips to the NBA Finals. Ilgauskas, 36, spent nearly his entire career as a Cav and helped the franchise evolve from an also-ran to an Eastern Conference champion in 2007. He spent last season with the Miami Heat and former Cavaliers teammate LeBron James. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

Mary Schmitt Boyer/Tom Reed: Former #Cavs center Zydrunas Ilgauskas tells the Plain Dealer he is retiring from the #NBA after 13 seasons. Twitter

Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

"Enough is enough," Ilgauskas said. "My body is beat up and I'm tired physically. There is no age limit, but everyone knows when it's time." Ilgauskas is in Cleveland today attending the opening of an urgent care facility that's owned by his wife. The family has two small kids, who attend school in Miami. "I want to spend more time with my family," he said. "I have spent the past 15 years living out of a suitcase. It's time." Cleveland Plain Dealer

Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

It's believed the player simply known as "Z" will have opportunities to work for the Cavaliers' organization, but he would not address the topic. His immediate plans are to visit his parents in Lithuania before returning to Miami. Ilgauskas said he's been contemplating retirement for the past few seasons. He knew he had played his final game, Ilgauskas said, after the Heat was eliminated by Dallas in the Finals. He's most proud of his longevity after early foot injuries and surgeries threatened his career. He is a two-time NBA All-Star, who averaged 13 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots per game. "I will always think of Cleveland as my home," Ilgauskas said. "This was my kids' first home. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

Mary Schmitt Boyer/Tom Reed: Ilgauskas says he's most proud of his longevity after suffering all ther early injuries in his career #Cavs #NBA Twitter

Zydrunas Ilgauskas 

In spite of reports to the contrary all over the Internet recently, the Cavaliers have not yet officially discussed retiring former center Zydrunas Ilgauskas' No. 11. While it is certain that will happen at some point in the future _ after all, the much-loved Ilgauskas is the team's all-time leader in games played and rebounds, among other things _ the team has not decided to do so yet. Because of the lockout, the Cavs cannot comment on the situation. Cleveland Plain Dealer

Cleveland Cavaliers, Zydrunas Ilgauskas