AFBlue
07-03-2007, 08:42 AM
Varajao likely has offer from Grizz, but source couldn't confirm. Still, it appears someone is going above MLE for this energy guy. Would you want him on your team for above MLE?
Cavs' Varejao gets hefty contract offer
Move puts team in danger of paying luxury tax
By Brian Windhorst
Beacon Journal sportswriter
As expected, the Cavaliers may have a difficult decision upcoming with free agent big man Anderson Varejao.
According to an NBA executive, Varejao has been presented with a hefty contract offer in excess of the league's mid-level exception, which is around $6 million for next season.
Such an offer could be for up to five years and around $40 million or more. Only a handful of teams have cap space to make such an offer, but the one likely after Varejao is the Memphis Grizzlies.
An active player and rebounder, he fits with the up-tempo style of new coach Marc Iavaroni.
Varejao is a restricted free agent, which means the Cavs would have the option to match an offer sheet he could sign with another team.
Offer sheets can't be signed until July 11 and the Cavs would then have a week to match.
Team sources indicate the Cavs would like to keep Varejao but they are wary of overpaying as they head into the luxury tax next season. Which makes the decision complex, especially with Drew Gooden as the team's starter.
Varejao is currently out of the country and is preparing to play for Brazil in the FIBA Americas Championship in August.
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/basketball/nba/cleveland_cavaliers/17449461.htm
Cavs' Varejao gets hefty contract offer
Move puts team in danger of paying luxury tax
By Brian Windhorst
Beacon Journal sportswriter
As expected, the Cavaliers may have a difficult decision upcoming with free agent big man Anderson Varejao.
According to an NBA executive, Varejao has been presented with a hefty contract offer in excess of the league's mid-level exception, which is around $6 million for next season.
Such an offer could be for up to five years and around $40 million or more. Only a handful of teams have cap space to make such an offer, but the one likely after Varejao is the Memphis Grizzlies.
An active player and rebounder, he fits with the up-tempo style of new coach Marc Iavaroni.
Varejao is a restricted free agent, which means the Cavs would have the option to match an offer sheet he could sign with another team.
Offer sheets can't be signed until July 11 and the Cavs would then have a week to match.
Team sources indicate the Cavs would like to keep Varejao but they are wary of overpaying as they head into the luxury tax next season. Which makes the decision complex, especially with Drew Gooden as the team's starter.
Varejao is currently out of the country and is preparing to play for Brazil in the FIBA Americas Championship in August.
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/basketball/nba/cleveland_cavaliers/17449461.htm