CLEVELAND — Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry tried for years to acquire Washington's Antawn Jamison.

His dedication paid off Wednesday night, when Ferry finally got his man.

"We've been working to get Antawn for awhile," Ferry said Thursday. "He fills a need for us and can do so much that the transition can be somewhat seamless."

The Cavaliers certainly hope so. They traded Zydrunas Ilgauskas in order to get him.

In what could be LeBron James' final season in Cleveland, Ferry is doing all he can to win a championship.

"Clearly, LeBron is an important player for Northeast Ohio, Cleveland and the Cavaliers," Ferry said. "It's all grounded in winning, too. Antawn can help us win."

Jamison was walking the halls of Quicken Loans Arena early in the morning, but he is not expected to play in the Cavaliers' game Thursday night against Denver. In order for him to play, all players involved in the deal must pass physicals, something Ferry doesn't believe is logistically possible in time for tip-off. Ferry, though, believes there is a chance Jamison could get activated in time for Friday's game at Charlotte.

Jamison averaged 20.5 points for Washington this season, but coach Mike Brown isn't sure yet whether Jamison will start or come off the bench.

"I keep going back and forth," Brown said.

The Cavaliers shipped Ilgauskas to Washington, along with a 2010 first-round draft pick and the rights to Emir Preldzic, who was selected in the second round of last year's draft. The Wizards also received forward Al Thornton from Los Angeles.

Cleveland gets guard Sebastian Telfair from the Clippers, who received Drew Gooden from the Wizards.

Trading Ilgauskas was the most difficult part for Ferry, since the two were Cavaliers teammates at one time. Ilgauskas has spent his entire 12-year career with the Cavaliers and is the career leader in games played, blocks and rebounds. He is second in scoring to James.

Ferry called Ilgauskas on Wednesday night to tell him the news.

"It was not a fun conversation," Ferry said. "But he was very professional, just like you'd expect."