Report: Anderson Varejao To Refuse Championship Ring Offer From Cavaliers

Golden State Warriors center Anderson Varejao will reportedly not accept a championship ring from the Cleveland Cavaliers if offered one, according to Fox Sports’ Sam Amico. 

Report: Anderson Varejao To Refuse Championship Ring Offer From Cavaliers

Varejao, 33, played against the Cavaliers in last season’s NBA Finals, but began the season with Cleveland. The Brazilian played 31 games for the Cavs before being traded, waived and then signed by Golden State. According to Amico’s report, Varejao’s main reason for rejecting the ring after losing the 2016 championship to Cleveland is out of respect for his Warriors teammates.

The center played with the Cavs from 2004 until his departure in February. Originally a second-round pick of the Orlando Magic, Varejao played in 591 regular-season games during his 10 seasons in Cleveland. The Cavs moved him in the deal to acquire Channing Frye, who proved to be a major asset for them in the Eastern Conference playoff run.

In his career, Varejao has averaged 7.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. The Warriors, who blew a 3-1 series lead to the Cavs in the NBA Finals, re-signed him to a one-year, $1.55 million deal earlier this month. Golden State also recently signed Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant. 

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.