fbpx
Skip to main content

Report: Warriors could make a run at Anderson Varejao

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

After standing pat through the NBA’s trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors could be primed to make a move after the fact by pursuing soon-to-be free agent Anderson Varejao.

ESPN’s Marc Stein first reported on this, but he made it clear the Warriors are still in “fact-finding mode” and are “weighing the pros and cons” of such a move in the meantime while Varejao clears waivers.

On the face of things, this move would seem like a solid way for Golden State to bolster a depleted front line. Festus Ezeli is sidelined for at least another month recovering from his knee surgery. Furthermore it’s never a given that Andrew Bogut will show up in a positive way on a nightly basis.

Varejao’s specialty is defense and pure hustle. Playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers this year before being traded, he averaged a mere 2.6 points and 2.9 rebounds per game.

However, he could potentially provide a significant spark off the bench and has plenty of playoff experience. He’s not going to wilt under the pressure of playing for a team with championship-or-bust aspirations.

Of course, the other side of the coin is that perhaps the Warriors simply don’t want to rock the boat after getting off to the best start in NBA history with a record of 48-4 at the All-Star break.

After being traded from the Cavaliers to the Portland Trailblazers and then subsequently released, Varejao is going to be hotly pursued by other teams as well. Golden State rival Oklahoma City Thunder have already been rumored to be interested in bringing him on board.

At this point, it seems like the positives outweigh the negatives as far as the Warriors are concerned with Varejao. He does possess attributes that could help the team on the court, and if they land him it would be somewhat of a blow to the Thunder as well.

Don’t be surprised if the Brazilian does end up heading to Oakland soon to help the Warriors continue their pursuit of another championship and a shot at history.

Mentioned in this article:

More About: