Anderson Varejao was in Cleveland all his career but like we often hear, the NBA is a business. He was traded to Portland last week but the Trailblazers only needed him for salary cap purposes, they had to meet the league mandatory cap so they added Varejao salary and waived him. The money still counts in Portland’s books but Varejao was free to sign for any team.
He finally made his decision and decided to sign with the Warriors, a team he faced with the Cavs last June in the Finals, he clearly wants to win and the Warriors offer him the best chance to do so in his eyes. Varejao was in uniform last night with the Warriors to witness them being the fastest team to reach 50 wins in a season.
All the Cavs players were quoted saying they will miss Varejao as a friend and teammate when the trade happened but at the time they didn’t know he was about to sign with a team they might face in the finals but it doesn’t seem to change their views on it now that they found out.
“They’re going to get all of our intel now,” Love joked. “Nah, but seriously, I’m happy for him. He goes to obviously a very good team. It’s tough losing a brother like that and what he meant to this city, this organization. He was beloved here…Yeah, it’s bittersweet, he said. “I wish him the best in his career and I want him to play well. Just not against us.”
Tristan Thompson, who played his entire NBA career with Varejao before the trade, didn’t have any ill feelings towards him neither.
“It’s a business,” Thompson said. “He wants to keep playing ball, so whatever is the best fit for him and whatever he’s looking for, you have to be happy for him. Andy was more than just a teammate, he was a friend, a big brother, and so wherever he can go to keep playing, I’m happy for him, even with him being with the Warriors.”
LeBron, who shared the most history with Varejoa, didn’t say much and understands the business better than anybody.
“Not at all,” James said. “The man has to work. He’s got to work.”
This topic will be revisited if the two teams face off in June in the Finals again but before that Varejao only worry is to find some minutes with a Warriors team already rolling.