Cavs Contract Problem: Varejao Vs Thompson?
The NBA 2014-15 season kicks off today. The Cleveland Cavaliers embark on their mission for a championship on Thursday, this writer’s birthday. Yet could the Cavs have two looming contract issues with Anderson Varejao and Tristan Thompson? And are the Cavs contract problem really a decision between the two of them?
Reports came out yesterday that the Cavs were in contract negotiations with Varejao:
"The Cleveland Cavaliers are engaged in serious talks with center Anderson Varejao on a contract extension, league sources told Yahoo Sports.Talks have progressed in recent weeks, but there’s no agreement imminent, sources said."
Andy was always on the trade market during the four seasons that LeBron James was away from the team. Now that James has returned expectations were that Andy would sign a team friendly deal in the off-season. The Cavs have stuck with the Wild Thing through a number of injuries while Varejao has stuck with the team through all the struggles to win games.
Yet would it benefit the Cavs to negotiate before the season instead of waiting to let the year play out? Varejao hasn’t made it often without injuries, what if he gets hurt again?
On the other hand Thompson’s contract negotiations can directly impact what the Cavs want to do with Varejao. Currently the Cavs have not been able to come to a deal with their 6th man:
"The Cavs and Thompson have stalled in negotiations, sources told ESPN.com, with a Friday deadline for extensions approaching. Thompson is represented by Klutch Sports and James’ agent and business partner Rich Paul, who has worked with Thompson since he was drafted in 2011."
That Thompson is represented by LeBron’s agent makes things all the more difficult. Thompson is not a center but with Kevin Love on the team, and if Andy isn’t resigned, he may have to play that position. He is a high energy, defensive minded and offensive limited big man. Varejao has developed a much stronger offensive game than Tristan but Thompson is much younger and far healthier.
If the Cavs can sign Varejao now it can put some pressure on the Thompson camp. Unfortunately for the Cavs contract problem the assumed meteoric rise of the NBA Salary Cap could work against them. Both Varejao and Thompson are likely to cash in this summer, signing contracts much higher than recent market value.
More from King James Gospel
- 3 possible starting lineups for Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023-24
- The Cavaliers may have snagged a hidden gem in Craig Porter Jr.
- 4 players the Cavaliers should pursue in 2024 free agency
- 6 players Cavaliers might replace Jarrett Allen with by the trade deadline
- This stat is one to keep an eye on for Cavaliers’ Max Strus in years ahead
The Cavs already have big money in James, Love and Kyrie Irving. Next year they will have to make a similar decision regarding starting shooting guard Dion Waiters. They have to keep Waiters in mind as they do not have a replacement available for him. At least with Thompson the Cavs have the chance to keep Andy around to replace what Thompson does.
It is unlikely either gets away from the Cavs, especially with how close each is with James, but the Cavs sure do have a contract problem entering the season.
If you had to choose, for the next few years, Varejao or Thompson for the Cavs which would you?