The Charlotte Bobcats have signed Cavaliers restricted free agent Anderson Varejao to a three-year offer sheet, but that move probably only enhances the power forward's likelihood of returning to Cleveland.The offer sheet is worth $17.4 million, which would fit the Bobcats' mid-level salary cap exception. Now the Cavs have a week to match the deal or lose him.And you can bet they will match it. But if they do, that precludes the Bobcats and Cavs from doing a sign-and-trade deal.
Cleveland GM Danny Ferry has made it clear he intends to match offers for Varejao and that three-year, mid-level deal actually represents less than the best offer the Cavaliers have made (at least three seasons with a total value in excess of $20 million). However, the Bobcats' offer includes a player opt-out after two years, which the Cavaliers did not include in their three-year proposal.
The 6-foot-10 Varejao has been in a prolonged contract dispute with the Cavaliers, which has kept him sidelined this season. He said last week that he would prefer to be traded.
The 25-year-old averaged 6.8 points and 6.7 rebounds last season in helping the Cavaliers reach the NBA finals for the first time. His numbers don't represent his defensive presence for a 9-9 Cavs team that desperately needs one.
Before training camp opened, Varejao turned down Cleveland's one-year, $1.2 million qualifying offer.
If he had signed that deal, the former second-round pick could have become an unrestricted free agent after this season. In late October, the Cavaliers rejected a six-year, $52 million package presented by Varejao's agent.
The Bobcats (6-10) could certainly use a big man after they lost Sean May to season-ending knee surgery in training camp. And center Primoz Brezec has been ineffective.
But don't expect Varejao to land in Charlotte. This is a negotiating ploy by his agent, one that should get Varejao back on the court soon - but in Cleveland.
Bet on Tuesday night's New Jersey-Cleveland game at WagerWeb.com.76ERS' SHAKEUP: Philadelphia fired general manager and team president Billy King on Tuesday and replaced him with Nets GM Ed Stefanski.
King, who had been with the franchise since June 1997, had said he was using this season as the start of a three-year rebuilding plan. The Sixers are 5-12 and in last place in the Atlantic Division. After reaching the NBA finals in 2001, Philadelphia has missed the postseason three of the last four years, and King traded former MVP Allen Iverson to Denver last December.
In addition, fan interest has dwindled, with King being the lightning rod for criticism.
"We have a good plan in place, but we needed a fresh approach in the leadership of the franchise,' Sixers chairman Ed Snider said.
Stefanski served as New Jersey's general manager since 2004.
"I feel more than ready to be the caretaker for the 76ers," said Stefanski, who went to high school in the Philly area and also attended Penn.
"I'm a Philly guy through and through, and I die with every Philadelphia team," Stefanski said.
When asked about the status of coach Maurice Cheeks, who is in the final year of his contract, Stefanski replied, "I am evaluating top to bottom. I will talk to everyone and make evaluations as I go forward.
"The 76ers are next in action Wednesday against Boston - bet on the game at WagerWeb.com.
INJURIES: Clippers leading scorer Corey Maggette will be a game-time decision Tuesday night against the Bucks - bet on the game at WagerWeb.com - after tweaking his strained right hamstring in Sunday's loss to the Indiana Pacers. The injury caused Maggette to miss four games earlier this season and forced him to sit most of the fourth quarter on Sunday. Meanwhile, rookie Al Thornton is doubtful for tonight and his sprained right ankle could cause him to miss an additional game or two. ... Cleveland's LeBron James continues to be a game-time decision for Tuesday's game against the Nets. ... Mavericks point guard Devin Harris was injured in Monday's win in Chicago, leaving in the third quarter with a neck sprain. X-rays were negative, and Harris said it's too early to tell whether he will play Wednesday in San Antonio.
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