Dec 11, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao (17) celebrates a made basket in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Sad news today out of Cleveland.

Already out for an extended period of time due to knee surgery, Cleveland Cavaliers’ center Anderson Varejao will now miss the remainder of the season due to a blood clot he developed in his lungs.

Incredibly sad/unfair: Cavs announce Anderson Varejao developed blood clot in lung after leg surgery that will cost him remainder of season

— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) January 21, 2013

The good news is that Varejao will fully recover. This comes from the Cavaliers’ official report:

“He will need to remain on blood thinning medication for approximately three months. While Varejao is expected to fully recover, he will miss the remainder of the current Cavaliers season.”

The 30 year-old Brazilian was in the midst of his best season, averaging 14 points and 14.5 rebounds a game, before injuring his knee in December.

Dec 18, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao (17) reacts after falling after a foul by Toronto Raptors power forward Amir Johnson (not pictured) in the second quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

The Cleveland Cavaliers weren’t believed to be seriously considering offers for the oft-injured, but supremely energetic big man, Anderson Varejao.

In his third-consecutive year that Varejao has suffered a devastating injury, the Cavaliers reportedly are requesting a good bit in return. For example take a look at the report picked up by CBS from the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

 To be fair, the Cavaliers were not believed to be actively seeking a trade. Varejao’s 14.4 rebounds per game led the league before his injury. They would demand much in return, as evidenced in the most recent trade rumor — that Cleveland was demanding Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe to be thrown into a proposed DeAndre Jordan for Varejao swap.

The earliest Varejao is expected to return is Feb. 21, which is also the trade deadline. It seems a bit outlandish that Cleveland would request such a massive package in return for the big, but with Dan Gilbert heading the organization, it would be inaccurate to assume the Cavaliers wouldn’t get more than what Varejao is worth.

Stay tuned to KJG as we follow Cleveland’s trade rumors.