Anderson Varejao could get a contract extension from the Cleveland Cavaliers in the near future, but talks about a new deal with Tristan Thompson have reportedly stalled.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reported on Monday that extension talks between Varejao and the Cavaliers have progressed over the past several days, but no deal is expected to be signed this week.
But despite the fact that no deal is imminent at this point, sources told Wojnarowski that both camps have reportedly agreed that extending their 10-year partnership is the right decision to make.
Varejao, who averaged 8.4 points to go along with 9.7 rebounds per game last season, will be playing in the final year of his contract and would become an unrestricted free agent next summer of no extension is reached.
The 32-year-old big man was recently named as the starter for the Cavs when they open their season against the New York Knicks on Thursday after new coach David Blatt was impressed with him during training camp.
LeBron James, who played alongside Varejao for six season before leaving the Cavaliers in favor of the Miami Heat, recently praised the Brazilian center, creating speculation that the superstar played a big role in Cleveland's decision to negotiate an extension with Varejao.
"If you ask him to run through six walls, he'll run through seven," James said of Varejao via The Morning Journal. "He'll fight for every loose ball. He'll dive on the floor. He'll set screens. He'll help you out when you get knocked down. If any altercation happens, Andy will be right there. We just need him to stay healthy."
But while negotiations between Varejao and the Cavaliers are running smoothly, ESPN reported that Cleveland and Thompson are still far from reaching a new deal.
Thompson, who averaged 11.7 points to go along with 9.2 rebounds per game last season, would become a restricted free agent next summer if both sides will fail to reach a new deal until the deadline on Oct. 31.
James is also expected to play a role in the negotiation as Thompson is also under the four-time MVP's business partner Rich Paul. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is also high of Thompson, who was reportedly Gilbert's personal pick during the 2011 NBA Draft.
© 2017 Jobs & Hire All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
