The holiday weekend was not much of a vacation for General Manager Danny Ferry. Ferry spent Sunday behind closed doors at Gund Arena talking to Zydrunas Ilgauskas' agent, Herb Rudoy. Rudoy, who has spoken with more than the Cavs about the 7-3 center, is seeking a new five- or six-year deal for his client, more than the Cavs are looking to offer. It is believed the Atlanta Hawks have a strong interest in the 30-year-old Ilgauskas and are about $24 million under the salary cap. "There's a good number of teams we're talking to about a sign and trade, and there are a couple of teams under the cap that are talking to me," Rudoy said. "We're also talking to Danny [Ferry] about Z returning. Z's thinking about [remaining with the Cavs]. He'd like to stay." Signing Ilgauskas is the Cavs' top priority. Once they know whether Ilgauskas is staying or going, they will know how much money they have to pursue other free agents, especially a shooting guard. The Cavs are about $28 million under the salary cap. Ferry has said he would like Ilgauskas to remain, but at what cost? Ilgauskas is coming off a max contract that paid him $70.8 million over six years. Rudoy said Ilgauskas will not make his decision to remain based on another max contract offer. "[A max contract] is not a factor," Rudoy said. " He'll have his own reasons to stay or go with another team." A major reason for Ilgauskas to stay with the Cavs is his relationship with Ferry. Ilgauskas and Ferry have been close friends since Ferry was a player with the Cavs. "Danny and Z are good friends, and he and Danny will talk and we'll see," Rudoy said. "It doesn't hurt the Cavs that Z and Ferry are good friends. Z is so comfortable in Cleveland that it will cause him to really think about what he wants to do because he loves being in Cleveland and he loves playing with LeBron [James]." Ilgauskas' health is a concern for any team who is interested in signing him. Ilgauskas has had five foot operations and had a stretch where he played in only 29 games over two seasons. But he has not missed a game due to a major injury since coming back during the 2001-02 season. Ilgauskas had a solid year this past season when he averaged 16.9 points and 8.6 rebounds. "Z has played in 300 games without any difficulty with his feet," Rudoy said. "He has great value in the league because he can score inside and score outside. He's a great teammate for these guys and that's why he's coveted." --

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