CLEVELAND – Free-agent center Zydrunas Ilgauskas will re-sign with the Cavaliers, getting a five-year deal that could be worth up to $60 million, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported on its Web site.

“Z intends to sign back with Cleveland,” agent Herb Rudoy told the paper. “Z is thrilled with the idea of coming back.” Messages seeking comment were left on Ilgauskas’s cell phone and at Rudoy’s office by the Associated Press. The deal can’t become official until the free-agent signing period begins on July 22.

The Cavs made signing Ilgauskas an off-season priority. His signing is the second free-agent deal reached by new general manager Danny Ferry, who has roughly $28 million to spend as he tries to build a talented supporting cast around all-star LeBron James.

The agent for guard Larry Hughes said last week that his client would leave the Washington Wizards as a free agent for the Cavaliers, who reached the deal after Milwaukee’s Michael Redd and Seattle’s Ray Allen decided to re-sign with their current teams instead of moving to Cleveland.

Hughes doesn’t have the shooting ability of Redd or Allen, but he averaged 22 points a game and made the NBA’s All-Defensive team last season.

Ilgauskas began his career with the Cavs during the 1997-98 season. He averaged 16.9 points and 8.6 rebounds last season.

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GADZURIC GETS $36 MILLION Dan Gadzuric’s agent said yesterday the 6-foot-11 center will sign a six-year, $36 million contract to stay with the Bucks once the league-wide moratorium on player movement ends later this month. That means the Bucks have committed some $200 million in player contracts since July 2.

After signing no. 1 overall draft pick Andrew Bogut to a $26 million deal on July 2, the Bucks agreed to terms with unrestricted free agent Michael Redd for between $90 million and $96 million. Then, they lured Los Angeles Clippers swingman Bobby Simmons, the league’s reigning Most Improved Player, for $47 million over five years.