Hawks stand pat at trade deadline, now look to Ilgauskas
'Big Z' seeking buyout from Wizards. (NBA.com)
Phoenix– The Hawks didn’t make any trades at today’s deadline, no surprise since GM Rick Sund had said all along he wouldn’t break up the team’s core with a deal.
“We like our core guys,” Sund said today. “I think we are positioned pretty well. We will learn some more (about the team) going forward in the last month-and-a-half and the playoffs.”
The Hawks also were unable to find any trade proposals that made sense. However, sources said the Hawks have reversed their stance on keeping their roster at the league minimum of 13 and will consider signing veterans who are bought out of their contracts by the end of this month.
The Hawks are expected to be among the suitors for veteran center Zydrunas Ilgauskas if he receives a buyout from the Wizards, sources said today. Ilgauskas was traded from Cleveland to Washington on Tuesday in a three-team deal but he’s seeking a buyout of the prorated portion of his $11.5 million expiring contract. The Wizards are cutting salary as they look to rebuild and Ilgauskas’ agent, Herb Rudoy, said his client wants to play for a contender.
Among the Hawks’ Eastern Conference rivals, only Cleveland made a major trade. The Cavaliers got forward Antawn Jamison from Washington as part of the three-team trade involving Ilgauskas.
Otherwise, the trade deadline passed relatively quietly in the East.
The Magic stood pat. The Celtics reportedly were waiting on league approval to complete a trade with the Knicks for reserve guard Nate Robinson. The Bobcats could be tougher first-round opponents for one of the top East teams after they acquired Tyrus Thomas from Chicago and Theo Ratliff from San Antonio.
The Hawks, who continue a four-game road trip Friday night at Phoenix, are 34-18 and trail Orlando by 1.5 games in the Southeast Division. The Celtics were a half game behind the Hawks before playing at the Lakers late Thursday.
“Until the end of the season I don’t look at the win column, I look at the loss column,” Sund said. “Here the trade deadline has passed and, after Cleveland, you have three teams (Magic, Hawks and Celtics) with 18 losses jockeying for position.
“I think we are pointed in the right direction. As long as we stay healthy, and that’s an important key, we can compete for these playoff spots going down the stretch.”
Ilgauskas could help the Hawks in the playoffs. Rudoy said today he hadn’t spoken to the Wizards yet about a buyout. Ilgauskas, 34, is taking a few days to think about his future, and Rudoy said the Hawks would fit Ilgauskas’ criteria for a new team if he doesn’t re-sign with the Cavs.
“If he decides to leave Cleveland, once he gets the buyout–and we hope we will have several options–he will only go to a team that can win a championship, period,” Rudoy said. “He will not be on a team that has no chance. He wants to play for one of the top teams, and Atlanta certainly is one of those teams.”
Rudoy said “a lot of teams are very interested in” Ilgauskas but declined to name them. In addition to the Cavs and Hawks, the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets are also reported to be interested in Ilgauskas.
Under league rules the Cavaliers would have to wait 30 days after Ilgauskas is waived to re-sign him, while another team could sign him immediately. Ilgauskas would have to be waived by March 1 to be eligible for a playoff roster.
Sund, citing league tampering rules, declined to comment on Ilgauskas.
Ilgauskas, at 7 feet 3 and 260 pounds, would satisfy the Hawks’ desire for a beefy center in the post to deal with Eastern Conference rivals Orlando (Dwight Howard) and Cleveland (Shaquille O’Neal). Ilgauskas could backup Al Horford at center and the two also could play together in a lineup with Horford at power forward.
The Hawks’ other options at center are Zaza Pachulia, Jason Collins and Randolph Morris.
Ilgauskas, a 12-year NBA veteran from Lithuania, was averaging career lows of 20.5 minutes, 7.5 points, and 5.3 rebounds for the Cavs. He once was an offensive threat in the post but has become more of a jumpshooter late in his career. Ilgauskas has slipped to 38 percent shooting on jumpers this season, according to 82games.com.
MC
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271 comments Add your comment
Philip(formerly ScoobySnacks)
February 19th, 2010
8:14 am
I 100% guarantee without a shadow of doubt or possible reservation that Z will be back in Cleveland. There is no chance he could possibly end up anywhere else especially the Hawks(period). He loves bron-bron too much.
niremetal
February 19th, 2010
8:16 am
And lastly, the QO to Brewer would not affect the Jazz’s ability to keep Boozer. The Jazz have Bird rights in Boozer, so they can sign him even if they are well over the cap. And cap holds are just that – holds. If you never sign the player, they don’t count against you for payroll or luxury tax purposes. Since the Jazz are well over the cap, all putting the QO on the table would have done is ensure that the Jazz had the right to match offers for Brewer, same as the Hawks can do with Chill.
O'Brien
February 19th, 2010
8:33 am
nire,
One trade idea I had was for CDR (2nd round pick from 2 years ago) and Josh Boone from the Nets. Nets have a bunch of SF, and they have Brook Lopez, Tonie Battie at C, and Humphries and Yi listed at PF.
CDR could be our defensive SF off the bench (he is not much of a shooter, but Mo has been missing his corner 3 anyway), and Boone could provide spot minutes at PF and Center.
I dont know if these players would be the answer, but I thought they could be worth a look, and they would give us options, and they’re still young, so maybe Woody could work his magic lol. Mo Evans and a 2nd round pick for Josh Boone and CDR. Would the Nets go for it, I dont know.
I just find it hard to believe that Sund could not have gotten creative enough to find a trading partner so that we could give Woody more options off the bench.
SLAM ONLINE | » Lakers, Celtics Dreading Big Z’s Return to Cleveland
February 19th, 2010
9:01 am
[...] overtures from other teams, everyone assumes that Ilgauskas will be back in Cleveland sometime in March. [...]
vava74
February 19th, 2010
9:03 am
OB,
The same reasons why you covet Boone and CDR can be used by the Nets to keep them.
They are young and appear to be at least “serviceable”. Why would they take a G/F combo who is creeping in to his declining years?
Also, as fas as I understand from nire’s analysis, we have cap issues which prevent us from taking more salary than we are giving away, so, unless you believe that Boone and CDR’s combined wages are only 2,5 million, it seems a no go…
Harry Hawk
February 19th, 2010
9:10 am
We’re just going to end up losing in the second round anyway.
(That’s the way I’ve felt all season. I can’t shake it.)
Hoops
February 19th, 2010
9:12 am
Micheal Cunningham,
At this point, the only chance I see for the Hawks to have a chance to get to the Eastern Conference Finals or to possibly get to the Finals, is to go after Big Z. This is an opportunity that the Hawks can not pass on. I say offer him a 2 year deal and sell him on the fact that this makes the Hawks serious contenders!
With Big Z on the perimeter knocking down J’s, Shaq, DH, and KG would be pulled away from the basket enough to allow Al and Josh to work inside vs. PF instead of centers. I don’t know if Big Z will bite or not, but we have to go after him hard!!! This could be the Hawks chance to steal a legit center for 2 years!!!
Tony
February 19th, 2010
9:36 am
Thanks Mike…It seems like we have Hawks Haters. Who wouldnt want Z here to bang in the middle. Come on Mr. Sund, grab Z ASAP! Go Hawks!
Melvin
February 19th, 2010
9:41 am
Grandad,
We will revisit the Rudy Gay debate in the summer once he sign his new contract.
Astro Joe
February 19th, 2010
9:49 am
So if Rick Sund thinks that a jump shooting center would beenfit the Hawks, then he needs to make sure that he invites Kevin Pittsnoogle, Mark Blount and about 3-4 Euro centers to camp next summer. The need won’t change and surely Sund can find some low cost options if he truly wants his coach to have an option of running Horford at the 4 with a shooting center in the line-up.
Melvin
February 19th, 2010
9:59 am
It’s a wrap. The King has spoken. I will expect Big Z to be back in Cleveland. The puppet commerical must continue to be played…
LeBron: “I’m OK with the trade, I’m not OK with losing Z. I’m OK with the guy that is coming in.” – Brian Windhorst Cavs beat writer
The Truth
February 19th, 2010
10:00 am
Maybe this analogy will shed some light on the Hawks ownership. If you have built this fine house in this elite and exclusive neighborhood, then why would you whine about paying higher property taxes? It should be expected to pay more to live amongst the elite group. It should come with the territory. If you (the owner) don’t want to live amongst the elite and really have a problem with the higher taxes, then maybe you should consider selling your fine house to someone else who is willing to pay the higher taxes. Also, the more you (the owner) are willing to invest into this fine house; the more people will be willing to pay to see it.
fudd21
February 19th, 2010
10:03 am
Najeh, Also with the Jazz being over the cap even though Brewer just made 2.7 million it cost the Jazz 5.4 million. Once you are over the luxry cap the tax is dollar for dollar. Their intentions was to dump salary. Even though the trade worked in the trade machine it wouldn’t have been a realistic trade for the Jazz as it wouldn’t have saved them any money.
Daniel
February 19th, 2010
10:14 am
OK: I know that everything points towards Z returning to Clevland, but I like Atlanta getting in the mix. We actually have more of the MLE to offer Z and there have been some hints (John Hollinger) that Z was not happy to be traded without compensation. He actually said that he expects Z to want the Cavs to resign him and not prorate a 30 day contract. So there may be a little more bad blood than meets the eye, and if nothing else the Hawks involvement forces the Cavs to spend more and maybe even give Z a second year then great. There contract situation will be crippling coming up next two seasons anyway. Just my perspective as a Hawks fan.
Would I love to get Z? Sure Is it likely? no (but not as unlikely as some would seem) The Hawks driving up his price help? Absolutely!!!
Astro Joe
February 19th, 2010
10:20 am
The Truth, if there are 30 houses in the neighborhood and you have one of the 8 nicest, should you be ashamed? Especially if you are paying about 25% less for your top 8 has vs. the other 7. You may not win the “House of the Year” award, but there are at least 24 other homeowners who wish they had your house (and several of those 24 homeowners pay more for their double-wide than you do for your McMansion). I think it all depends on your perspective.
Melvin
February 19th, 2010
10:23 am
Astro,
Thats why I’m glad you are back. I knew The Truth would draw a response from you with his last post. You leave no debate without a remark…
Fundamentals
February 19th, 2010
10:26 am
I’m with most in that Z will go back to Cleveland. Daniel makes a good point in that we have an opportunity to drive their price up. Our contract situation is pretty tight, but we do have an opportunity to keep all our core pieces for several years. Adding 1-2 more key defensive players off waivers would be nice. We’ll see what happens. Glad to see the ASG willing to pursue a 14th player.
Funny how many cull Hawks were delt to new homes. Where are folks ranting about how great AC & Royal were? Seems they can’t find a niche and thus weren’t necessarily “killed” by Woodson. Seems the talent just wasn’t there to begin with.
The name Theo Ratliff still makes me sick. Hopefully he’ll do as much for the Bobcats as he did here to help mess up things.
Melvin
February 19th, 2010
10:27 am
I wonder why we didnt see Lebron, Mo Williams and the soul train dances out there clowning after last night game…. Take that Lebron, take that..
Daniel
February 19th, 2010
10:36 am
Get ‘em Melvin!!
Astro Joe
February 19th, 2010
10:41 am
Melvin, nothing like a good analogy (or a bad one for that matter) . I like Jamison a LOT and dislike the Cavs a LOT. Jamison is a complete class act and has always been the quiet gentleman (even as he was in Vince’s shadow at UNC and eventually in Agent Zero’s shadow in DC). Maybe the Cavs can win it all with Lebron missing the last 3 games (talc gets in his eye and he is forced to miss games) of the Finals and Jamison winning the series MVP. That would make me happy.
The Truth
February 19th, 2010
10:45 am
AJ
The answer to your delightful question is NO, I’m not ashamed. In fact, I’m probably still bragging (to the homies) about the deal I stole. But if I’ve never lived in such luxury before (coming from the hood), I might have over looked the other nuisances of home ownership such as paying property taxes. I hope this is not the plight of the Hawk Ownership but action really does speak much louder than words.
GeeMack
February 19th, 2010
10:49 am
Fundamentals & Daniel
We can help drive the price for Big Z, but I would rather have a team on the floor that has a legitimate at beating the Cavs on the floor.
For the Hawks fans thinking Big Z is a good pick as the Cavs how much he helped them last year against the Magic?
niremetal
February 19th, 2010
10:49 am
The Truth,
The Hawks management is doing exactly what the Pistons, Heat, Cavs, and Magic did before their respective Finals runs – maintaining a budget within ~$5M of the cap, but not going over. People keep forgetting that – with the exception of the Knicks, Lakers, and Celtics (ie the three teams that have massive revenues even when their teams suck), no team has gone into the luxury tax until AFTER they made a run to at least the conference finals. For all of Cuban’s flamboyance, the Mavs didn’t pay the tax in ‘02-03 (though the tax system was different back then). The Pistons didn’t in ‘03-’04. The Heat didn’t in ‘05-’06. The Cavs didn’t in ‘06-’07. The Magic didn’t in ‘08-09. The Blazers didn’t pay the luxury tax between 2004 (the end of the ‘Sheed era) and last year, and only paid it last year because of the Darius Miles fiasco (remember how their President threatened to sue any team that signed Darius Miles, since Miles playing would mean that his contract would be re-activated, putting the Blazers into the tax?). This year, the Blazers aren’t paying the tax – on the contrary, the Hawks’ payroll is ~$8M more than the Blazers’.
Does that “shed some light” on why your analogy is a load of crap? None of our neighbors paid the higher taxes either until they got an unexpected promotion to Senior Vice President and a corresponding raise.
GeeMack
February 19th, 2010
10:57 am
Daniel, Traceman, Astro, & a few others
I really enjoyed all the chatter about attedance and some of the other stuff you guys were talking about the other day. Very good stuff.
niremetal
February 19th, 2010
10:58 am
The owners of the Hawks and other NBA teams are all very, very rich men. But you don’t stay rich for long if you spend money you don’t have. Like the Mavs, Pistons, Heat, Cavs, Magic, and all other non-Lakers/Knicks/Celts teams since the luxury tax era began (yes, even the Blazers, the team with the richest owner in the NBA), the Hawks will have to make an unexpectedly deep playoff run before they can afford to go into luxury tax territory.
If the Hawks are “cheap,” then 27 of 30 NBA owners are cheap.
GeeMack
February 19th, 2010
10:59 am
niremetal
Nice comeback!
GeeMack
February 19th, 2010
11:08 am
Daniel
I said before, you shut the Cavs up by beating them.
Melvin
February 19th, 2010
11:11 am
GeeMack,
In order to beat the Cavs you have to beat the Refs first….
The Truth
February 19th, 2010
11:15 am
niremetal
If my analogy smells like crap to you, then your Google recalls smell even worst. Your volume of information said very little and is really pointless. This statement: “None of our neighbors paid the higher taxes either until they got an unexpected promotion to Senior Vice President and a corresponding raise.” is a good example. In this section of the neighborhood I am referring to, THESE PEOPLE DON’T WORK, THEY ARE ALL MILLIONAIRES!!
GeeMack
February 19th, 2010
11:22 am
Hawks fans
I’m glad the trading deadline has passed. I like the defensive intensity I saw the Hawks play with against the Clippers.
If we play defense the way we could I can see get out of the 2nd round if we play Bos, or Orlando.
However with the changes the Cavs made (Jamison) they’ve put themselves in the class with the Lakers.
Hoops
February 19th, 2010
11:26 am
Guys,
Say what you want, but the Hawks have a much better chance against the Cavs with Big Z against Shaq while Horford/Josh work against Varejao/Jamison. Remember that Shaq has to stretch his defense to guard Big Z. That opens up the lane. Can we beat them with Big Z? I don’t know. But I sure think we have a better shot with him than without!!!
GeeMack
February 19th, 2010
11:27 am
Melvin,
Nahhhh…the Cavs just have a better team at this time.
ntrigue
February 19th, 2010
11:29 am
I say we go after T-Mac when the Knicks cut him. That would help our bench out so much him and Jamal leading the second unit would be awesome! I dont know if were able 2 add two players but if we could get him and Z we would be in a real good position but this is wishful thinking probaly will not happen.
GeeMack
February 19th, 2010
11:29 am
Hoops
I wonder why Big Z didn’t help the Cavs against the Magic last year?
Astro Joe
February 19th, 2010
11:29 am
The Truth, I think we will find out this summer. I, too, have my doubts. nire has consistently provided evidence of how the ASG’s funding has been fairly consistent with like teams. And he has also suggested that at some point, many of the owners “stepped out on faith” and wrote that next big check. My guess is we will learn if the ASG will do that this summer. More than likely, we will find out in these upcoming playoffs how far this particular core can go. Hopefully, they will bring back Joe AND figure out a way to upgrade their bench. And if they choose to upgrade the coach, obviously that should happen this summer too. I’ll beat on the ASG if they don’t pursue a bought out vet in the next few weeks, but I truly have no issues about sitting out the trade deadline. This summer, we’ll find out if they are ready to finally finish the basement and upgrade the kitchen cabinets.
GeeMack
February 19th, 2010
11:30 am
ntrigue
Very wishful!
Hoops
February 19th, 2010
11:40 am
GeeMack,
I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Z. You have to knock down shots when you get them. I just think that Al & Josh playing PF will get the benefit of drawing their 5 man out.
O'Brien
February 19th, 2010
11:41 am
@ vava,
Now that the deadline is gone, I know this discussion is not beneficial. But lend me your ear.
The rumors were that CDR was unhappy about losing his spot in the starting lineup to Jarvis Hayes. And the Nets actually have 5 SF listed on their roster, so I think they would be willing to part with CDR for the right price.
Would he be a fit here? I dont know, because he’s a horrible 3pt shooter, and he has had issues in NJ. But its hard not to have issues when your team is 5-49 (or whatever they are). And it might appear to be issues on the outside, but who knows what the real story is (supposedly, Josh Smith has issues with coaching).
Cap would be a problem though. Maybe Mo, RandMo and a 2nd for Boone and CDR.
Daniel,
Although we have more to offer Big Z, I dont see BASG offering him more than anybody else. And I’d be surprised if Cleveland is concerned about the cost to bring him back. If LbJ wants him back, they will do whatever it takes to get them back.
I was glad to see the Cavs go down last night, especially in front of their fans. Melo is a beast. Didn’t he lead his team to an NCAA championship his only college season? Wasn’t our SF part of an NCAA championship team his only college season (even scoring the winning bucket)? Yeah, I know thats where the comparisons end lol.
If I’m Marvin, I’m watching tape of the elite SF every day, because that should help fuel his drive to step his game up more consistently.
jerrywest
February 19th, 2010
11:50 am
MC –
Hawks haven’t used MLE yet.
terrell
February 19th, 2010
11:57 am
The ONLY way he comes to Atlanta is if we offer him a lot of $. We’re talking bout the ASG people. Aint happening. New blog please.
The Truth
February 19th, 2010
12:00 pm
AJ
Agreed the summer will be an interesting show and tell. But also the current drama movie the Hawks are staring in entitled “A Race For The Title” is not too shabby either.
Ken Strickland
February 19th, 2010
12:01 pm
KEVINA-can’t argue with logic. We’ve got to get more production out of the PG position without relying so much on Crawford to play the position. Both Crawford and JJ are far more dangerous playing off the ball than pounding it ourside running ISO’s. Have you noticed how Teague always brings the ball up and initiates the OFF when he’s in the gm? Have you also noticed how Bibby will often let JJ or Jamaal bring the ball up and initate the OFF, which usually means they intend to initiate ISO Joe or Jamaal. I’M STILL LOOKING FOR ALL OF THE LEADERSHIP BIBBY IS SUPPOSED TO BE PROVIDING.
GRANDAD-Pressure on the ball is always the key to good DEF. To me, instead of relying on his beloved switching DEF to mask Bibby poor DEF, Woodson should involve him in halfcourt traps and force the ball out of the hands of the PG he’s normally unable to guard. The PG’s teammates would be forced to come out of their OFF sets to provide a passing outlet for the trapped PG. It would increase the potential for steals and deflections, as well as limiting OFF options by forcing them to take additional time off the 24sec clock to reset their OFF.
It would also be a good idea to frequently fall back into a zone
DEF following a good trap. We’ve got to make teams think and adjust to what we’re doing defensively on a constant basis. We also need to shorten the 24sec clock and take as much pressure off our frontline as possible. The best way to do that is to run traps, pressure the ball in the frontcourt and try to keep it there as long as possible.
We need to do as many things as possible on both OFF and DEF to take advantage of our superior speed, quickness and athleticism. Any team that can run with us can’t match our size and athleticism, and any team the can match our size and athleticism can’t match our speed and quickness. If we’re going to go anywhere in the playoffs, Woodson has go to get more involved in coaching this team througout the gm, not just at halftime, or before and after the gm. He’s got to get past his rigid, inflexible approach to coaching and dealing with players and employ more imagination, strategy, adjustments and use of his bench.
jerrywest
February 19th, 2010
12:06 pm
Ilgauskas found it hard to watch Cleveland play the Nuggets on television from home on Thursday evening.
“This is my team,” he said. “I’m going to be mad, but not so mad that I wouldn’t come back. I understand it’s a business. This is my home. No matter what happens in the future, that will never change.”
Read more: http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/64880/20100219/ilgauskas_hopes_wizards_let_him_go_home/#ixzz0g0BtDgei
Daniel
February 19th, 2010
12:11 pm
Man
The blog is going good today. Lots of reasonable posts, some good, friendly debate. I missed this the last few days. Gee- I think of Z as a nice to decent addition to the Hawks, but he would be SORELY missed from the Cavs. Can you imagine Shaq having to play 35+ a night during the playoffs? Shoot if he goes to Denver or Dallas I would be almost as happy as him coming here. I just want the Cavs to not have everything just fall there way. I think they got lucky to get Jaimson instead of Amare. Older yes. Better teammate, better fit, good guy. I wish we had him.
Daniel
February 19th, 2010
12:12 pm
I meant “their way”
vava74
February 19th, 2010
12:14 pm
Ken,
I am with you. However, you cannot disregard that the switching defense is also an asset, the problem is, as you say, we seldom vary from that making us sitting ducks to the better coached teams.
The pre-game talks of the opposing coaches – when they are good – is simple:
1. Let’s set screens, make them switch so we can end with either a big on Bibby or a PG/Quick player against a slower opponent in the perimeter.
alternatively,
2. Let’s set screens, make them switch and then rotate the ball until we the Hawks are left with a big guy deep in the paint but with the defensive assignment of our 3 point shooter (who will comfortably drill the trey).
O'Brien
February 19th, 2010
12:19 pm
AJ,
I am looking forward to the summer as well. First and foremost, because we need to get JJ resigned. But with about 6 teams having major cap space, I am looking forward to see who (if anybody) changes teams.
Ken, vava,
And thats one concern about the Hawks on defense. We have only 1 philosohy, with very little adjustment. Switch everything everytime every game, and double Dwight Howard. To be fair though, once in a blue moon Woody change it up and goes zone.
GeeMack
February 19th, 2010
12:23 pm
Ken Strickland,
If I didn’t know any better I would swear you were one of my very good friends. He makes some of the same statements regarding the Hawks coaching staff.
Although he and I never see eye to eye on the Hawks coaching, dude knows his stuff.
I like some of the suggestions you made about switching up the defense. Good stuff. I think defense is where we could really make up alot of ground against teams that are bigger than us inside.
Daniel
February 19th, 2010
12:39 pm
To the point about the defensive coaching philosophy, I actually think the switching defense overall plays to our strength as a team, our bigs are undersized but more athletic. I would change a couple of stratedgies against Clevland and Orlando. Against the Magic, I would NOT double Howard, make him work, but let him get his, and on the offensive end get him involved in as many pick and rolls as possible. With Clevland, I would double Lebron ONLY off of their guards and keep in on Shaq or Hickson.
Finally, to stir up a little controversy here. Gee, Ken you guys are talking about good coaching. Do you guys really think Mike Brown and Stan Van Gundy are better coaches than Woodson? I am not saying Woody is better than those guys, but I don’t think he is worse. Ken, try to not say that Woodson is the worst of those three, I dare you.
KevinA
February 19th, 2010
1:03 pm
Jamison.
will have a harder time learning the handshakes than the team plays. Think he will buy into the foolish antics? As an All-Star vet – he might be embarrassed.