Cavs sign energetic big man Varejao to multiyear deal

[Stress Fracture]

The Source:

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Anderson Varejao -- the energetic big man with long, curly hair known to the team's fans as "Wild Thing" -- have agreed on a multiyear contract.

Cavaliers General Manager Danny Ferry announced the signing Thursday afternoon, though terms were not disclosed. The 6-11 center/forward from Brazil has played five years in the NBA, all with the Cavaliers.

The deal was first reported by The Plain Dealer late Wednesday. Agent Dan Fegan told the newspaper that the club and Varejao agreed on a six-year contract worth up to $50 million. Fegan did not return messages Thursday from The Associated Press.

Kinda old news but still I posted it. Is he kinda overpaid because of the $50 million deal??

[bee-boy]

I wonder will he start over Zydrunas?

[Andrew]

Is he kinda overpaid because of the $50 million deal??

You could say that, but it's probably not the worst example of a big man getting overpaid.

I wonder will he start over Zydrunas?

I'd say so, unless they're going to start Ilgauskas alongside Shaq and I don't think that'll work out particularly well. I suppose Shaq could come off the bench and Ilgauskas could start alongside Varejao but I kind of doubt they'd have Shaq backing up Z even though some of the ESPN crew threw it out there.

[Stress Fracture]

Wow, Shaq coming off the bench?

[The X]

The deal is more like 6 years, $42 million (Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4315370). The other $8 million is all based on performance-based incentives (kinda like Andrew Bogut's extension he got last off-season). I'd imagine the incentives would be leading league in rebounds, making the All-Star team, an All-Defensive team, winning a championship, that sort of stuff, so he probably won't get much of the incentive bonuses. Also the final year is only partially guaranteed, so it's closer to a $40 million deal than a $50 million deal if that's any consolation.

I think he's worth no more than about $25m over 4, but people overpay for bigs. I don't really buy what his agent said about other teams being interested in paying him $10m per season

[Andrew]

Wow, Shaq coming off the bench?

It was brought in an interview with Shaq during the Draft and he said he'd be fine with it, but I reckon he'll start.

I don't really buy what his agent said about other teams being interested in paying him $10m per season

That's Dan Fegan for you.

[Stress Fracture]

Of course Shaq will start. Can it mean that Shaq and Varejao will start?

[bee-boy]

i think it would be better if shaq and varejao started. Zydrunas and Shaq would be to clogged up in the paint on both sides of the ball.

[dopeboy]

Varejao might be overpaid for one dimensional type of player, but with all the energy and defense he gives to the team, I think it could be worth it, especially with 2 aging big men (3 if they manage to keep Smith). It's gonna take some time for Hickson to develop, so not the worst possible scenario happened.

And it should be Varejao who should start alongside Shaq, since Shaq and Z are true centers. They probably will sign Frye as well, although I'm not sure how his defensive flaws will help Cavs.

[Sauru]

The deal is more like 6 years, $42 million (Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4315370). The other $8 million is all based on performance-based incentives (kinda like Andrew Bogut's extension he got last off-season). I'd imagine the incentives would be leading league in rebounds, making the All-Star team, an All-Defensive team, winning a championship, that sort of stuff, so he probably won't get much of the incentive bonuses.

i doubt they gave him those kind of incentives. i am sure they gave him ones he can actually achieve with some effort. now the ones you mentioned may be in there(like win a ring) but they wont make up the bulk of it.

[Martti.]

I think he's a little over payed, but not by much. The Cavs couldn't afford to lose him in my opinion.

And I think it will look like this :

C - Shaq.
PF - Varejao.
SF - Lebron
SG - Anthony Parker
PG - Mo.
----------
Big Z, West, Joe Smith, Hickson, Wally, Boobie

[bee-boy]

I think he's a little over payed, but not by much. The Cavs couldn't afford to lose him in my opinion.

And I think it will look like this :

C - Shaq.
PF - Varejao.
SF - Lebron
SG - Anthony Parker
PG - Mo.
----------
Big Z, West, Joe Smith, Hickson, Wally, Boobie

that's a good starting five. now the cavs don't have 2 short players at the guard positions.

[ultimateplaya]

Since when did Cavs acquire Anthony Parker??

[Martti.]

http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archi ... ny_parker/

It's probably a done deal.

[Modifly]

I'd start West over Parker, but anyway.

[Andrew]

Of course Shaq will start. Can it mean that Shaq and Varejao will start?

I'd say so. At this point their only other options are Hickson and Jackson, as once again I highly doubt they'd start Shaq and Ilgauskas.

[Brave Sir Rubin]

I really hope that the league creates a "no-flopping" rule this offseason.

[Martti.]

Parker is 6'6. West is 6'3. And West isn't a true SG, which Parker is.

[dopeboy]

West defended pratically any SG succesfully, so I don't think that's so important. Besides, Parker is getting older. They might split their minutes equally though.

[MikeMan™]

I think he's a little over payed, but not by much. The Cavs couldn't afford to lose him in my opinion.

And I think it will look like this :

C - Shaq.
PF - Varejao.
SF - Lebron
SG - Anthony Parker
PG - Mo.
----------
Big Z, West, Joe Smith, Hickson, Wally, Boobie

H'eh , Less Playing Time for Boobie , that player really needs to be in another team if he wants to be more recognized . . .
and yeah , better Shaq - Andy than Shaq - Z / Z - Andy . . .

[Jeffx]

Is he kinda overpaid because of the $50 million deal??

You could say that, but it's probably not the worst example of a big man getting overpaid.


Jon Koncack?

[shadowgrin]

Jim McIlvaine?

I like how they describe Varejao as energetic. As if that is enough to stop Dwight Howard or other good bigs in the league.

[Sauru]

I really hope that the league creates a "no-flopping" rule this offseason.

me too, its far over due. the "no call" is probably the best way to stop it without slowing the game. known floppers should stop getting so many questionable calls go thier way

[Lamrock]

On the bright side, they'll have a nice trading chip in 4 years.

[Andrew]

Jon Koncack?

Jim McIlvaine?

I was thinking of Erick Dampier or Eddy Curry, but those are probably better examples.