The Cleveland Cavaliers and center Anderson Varejao reportedly are in "serious talks" about a contract extension. Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reported both sides have made progress on a potential deal to extend Varejao before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in July.
Per Wojnarowski:
"The Cleveland Cavaliers are engaged in serious talks with center Anderson Varejao on a contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Talks have progressed in recent weeks, but there's no agreement imminent, sources said.
"Varejao, 32, could become an unrestricted free agent in July 2015. Nevertheless, he and Cavaliers officials have a mutual desire to reach an agreement in the near future and continue a 10-year partnership."
First-year Cavaliers coach David Blatt chose to start Varejao at center Thursday against New York, a seemingly telling sign Blatt considers the veteran to be an integral part of Cleveland's title aspirations. While there's been talk of starting Tristan Thompson at the 5-spot, the 6-foot-11 Varejao gives Cleveland bigger size in the paint.
Talks about extending Varejao are also somewhat interesting, given Cleveland's need for a legitimate rim protector. Names linked to the Cavaliers as possible targets include Indiana Pacers center Roy Hibbert, Denver Nuggets centers Timofey Mozgov and JaVale McGee, and free agent Emeka Okafor.
Varejao recorded 10 points, four rebounds and one blocked shot in Cleveland's 95-90 loss Thursday against the New York Knicks.
