The Warriors and unrestricted free agent Anderson Varejao are closing in an agreement that will keep the big man in Golden State, Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter). It will be a one-year deal for Varejao, Stein adds, though no mention was made regarding the amount of the proposed contract.
Varejao was signed by the Warriors last season after Portland waived him, which was shortly after Cleveland, trying to lower its luxury tax hit, dealt him to the Blazers. He didn’t see much action for Golden State after the trade, appearing in 22 games and averaging 2.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 0.7 assists in 8.5 minutes per outing.
The 33-year-old has struggled with injuries the past few seasons, but does provide the team with a veteran presence off the bench. Coach Steve Kerr told reporters after Varejao was first acquired, “He’s a great insurance policy for us. It’s been good to get him minutes and get him some rhythm. He’s exactly who we were hoping for — a big who is smart, knows how to play and can fill in if we need him. We’ll see what happens in the playoffs with the rotation. But he’s got a lot of experience; we know he can play.”
This is by far the worst move they’ve made in like 3 years. They should have looked for someone that can give them some rim protection while Jones recovers from his pectoral injury. He was one of the big reasons they lost in the finals, though he had a couple of moments in Game 4. Curious to see who they end up getting at those 2-3 spots off the bench to replace Barbosa/Rush. I like Patrick Mccaw, from what I’ve seen of him so far, but he is obviously a rookie, and they still need someone in that spot anyway
I think they are just looking for big bodies to fill the roster. 5-10 minute during the regular season from Sideshow Bob isn’t terrible at the min.
Varejao for the minimum is bad b/c it takes up a roster spot. They already have Zaza, who doesnt protect the rim, and is exponentially better than Varejao. David West should see minutes at the 5, and is better defensively than Speights was, but they still need someone other than Draymond that can provide some rim protection, after losing Bogut and Ezili. Jones could fill some of what they lost with Ezili when he comes back from his injury, but in the interim, they could use help in that regard, and Anderson Varejao does not come close to fitting that
I agree, one of my least favorite players in the league. I think the refs are getting used to his flopping finally…
Strange that the article seems to imply the Cavaliers traded Varejao straight to the Warriors, rather than what really happened where they signed him for the minimum after the Trail Blazers waived him, which of course came after the Cavaliers traded him to the Blazers
You are correct. I cleaned up the wording to make it clearer.