Despite the vigor in which owner Dan Gilbert fought to prevent super-teams in other markets, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the NBA’s new juggernaut. Four-time MVP LeBron James, All-NBA power forward Kevin Love and All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving lead what’s one of the most balanced rosters in basketball.
In a press release via general manager David Griffin, it was announced that the Cavaliers shelled out money to keep another player in town for the long-haul: center Anderson Varejao.
#Cavs and @VAREJAOANDERSON sign contract extension. View [DETAILS]: http://t.co/LI4mN1fgys #AllForOne pic.twitter.com/cUg2PuPKLl
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) October 31, 2014
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that it’s a three-year deal worth $30 million with a third-year team option.
For Anderson Varejao's Cavs extension, two years, $20M of deal is guaranteed. The $10M on third year is a team option, league source says.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) October 31, 2014
AÂ fan favorite remains in Cleveland.
Varejao, 32, has been with the Cavaliers since 2004. In that time, he’s averaged 7.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 25.9 minutes, seeing a spike in production since his rise in playing time occurred in 2010-11.
In large part due to his familiarity with James and the Cavaliers as an organization, Brazilian big man was named the starting center for the 2014-15 season. That inevitably plays a large part in Cleveland potentially paying Varejao $10 million per season.
The question is, did Cleveland make the right decision to extend Varejao?