Caption:HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 15: Anderson Varejao #17 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives with the ball against Terrence Jones #6 of the Houston Rockets during their game at the Toyota Center on January 15, 2016 in Houston, Texas.
Shortly before the Cleveland Cavaliers resumed their season following the All-Star break, they traded longtime Brazilian center Anderson Varejao to the Portland Trailblazers in a three-team trade to acquire power forward Channing Frye from the Orlando Magic.
Anderson Varejao Signs With Golden State Warriors
However, it was announced on Monday that Varejao has signed with defending NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors. Varejao cleared waivers Sunday and will earn the veterans minimum with the Warriors for the rest of the season, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein.
Varejao was in his 12th year with Cleveland and has played 8 seasons with LeBron James. James told cleveland.com losing Varejao in a trade is, “the worst part of the business.”
James continued, “You lose a brother, you lose a teammate,” James said Thursday, after Cleveland beat the Bulls 106-95. “That’s the worst part about it.”
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In 31 game appearances this season, Varejao averaged 2.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game. Varejao, 33, was subsequently waived by Portland, making him a free agent. The 6-foot-tall Brazilian is expected to add much-needed size to the Warriors, who are short-handed along their front line because of injuries.
The Warriors were reportedly competing with the rival San Antonio Spurs for Varejao, who spent his first 11-plus seasons with the Cavaliers. Golden State also released forward Jason Thompson on Monday, thus creating an open roster spot.
After this season, nearly $14 million in guaranteed money will be left on Varejao’s contract. The Warriors hold the NBA’s best record this season at 50-5, and will visit the Miami Heat on Wednesday night.
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 15: Anderson Varejao #17 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives with the ball against Terrence Jones #6 of the Houston Rockets during their game at the Toyota Center on January 15, 2016 in Houston, Texas.