The Republicans and Democrats are squabbling, daylight savings time is arriving ... and Zydrunas Ilgauskas will return to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Several media outlets in Cleveland reported Thursday night that Ilgauskas' agent, Herb Rudoy, had e-mailed to say Ilgauskas had decided to return to the Cavs.

"It is Zydrunas' desire to return to the Cavaliers if a suitable contract can be agreed upon," Rudoy said in an e-mail to the Cleveland media.

That's not a real gigantic "if" there either. The decision is not exactly a surprise, but the confirmation is significant because it means the Cavs added Antawn Jamison to a top-tier playoff team without giving up a player.

Ilgauskas had been traded to Washington Feb. 17, but the Wizards quickly bought out Ilgauskas' contract and made him a free agent. After "pondering" what to do for a few days, Ilgauskas decided to return to the city where he has spent his entire NBA career.

Rudoy's message to the Cleveland media stated: "[Ilgauskas] has been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the outpouring of support and affection by the fans and by his teammates. He hopes to return to bring a championship to the Cavaliers and to the city of Cleveland."

Ilgauskas, who has to wait 30 days to re-sign with Cleveland, can negotiate and re-sign with the Cavs March 22.

The trade prompted much criticism from NBA types, who decried the Cavs' ability to trade for Jamison and then reacquire the player they traded to acquire Jamison. Several NBA coaches called on the NBA to change the rule, among them Boston's Doc Rivers and Orlando's Stan Van Gundy. Most vocal was Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who called the process "a sham" and "charades."

Not many disagreed, but the Cavs followed the rules that are in place. Which prompted Cavs coach Mike Brown to quip: "There's no rule that the NBA has in place right now that I have a problem with. I'm OK with all the rules."

Game and set to Cleveland. Match results will be available after the playoffs.

Source: Pat McManamon, FanHouse