Over the course of the offseason I’ve heard plenty of Cavs fan’s liking the idea of trading Zydrunas Ilgauskas during the 2009 season. I can understand why someone would be in favor of moving Z. I’m here to size up the pros and cons of this potential move, and might even through in my own two cents.

Pros

It’s no secret that NBA teams are hurting for money, especially with the potential decrease of the Cap limit. At age 34, Zydruas Ilgauskas is scheduled to make over $10 Million this upcoming season, easily making Z the highest paid backup center in the NBA. By trading Z the Cavs would free up nearly $10 Million for the 2010 offseason, also referred to as the “Summer of Lebron”.

It’s clear by now that the Cavaliers main goal is to resign this years MVP, Lebron James. However, the Cavs would also like to bring in another star player to compliment King James, such as Chris Bosh. Sadly, the only way to do this would be by getting rid of Z’s humongous contract. By bringing in another star player the Cavaliers could possibly have their very own Jordan/Pippen combo for years to come.

Cons

There’s no doubt that the Cavaliers have plenty of good reason to trade Z, but the Cavs would be losing a great center in Ilgauskas. Having Z come off the bench is going to create problems for most teams in the post. By retaining Z this gives the Cavs the perfect combination at center.

In one hand you have Shaquille O’Neal, one of the greatest centers the game has ever seen, teams can’t handle the sheer power and strength of The Big Diesel. In the other hand you have Big Z, one of the tallest centers in the NBA, he undoubtedly has one of the best jump shots for a center.

My Two Cents

As much as I would love to be able and go out and sign a big name player in 2010, I would also love to see the Cavaliers win a Championship with Big Z. If there is anyone on this team that deserves to win a Championship this season, it’s Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

Z’s been with us for over a decade, he’s been with us through thick and thin, the good times and the bad times. There’s no question in my mind that Z’s number 11 should join those of Austin Carr and Mark Price up in the rafters of Quicken Loans arena.

Z never turned his back on the Cavaliers, and Cleveland would be doing just that if they were to trade him.