The Golden State Warriors added more depth to their already-formidable roster after reportedly reaching a deal with former Cleveland Cavaliers forward-center Anderson Varejao.
While the Warriors have yet to announce the deal, USA Today reported that Varejao has already decided to join the the defending champin for a veteran's minimum deal. Before agreeing to move to Golden State, the report also indicated that the Brazilian considered signing with the San Antonio Spurs.
The Warriors, who currently hold the best record in the league at 49-5, were looking for frontcourt help after Festus Ezeli was sidelined with a left knee injury. Veteran center Andrew Bogut is also bothered by a sore right Achilles tendon, which forced the 31-year-old to sit out their game against the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday.
Varejao played his first 12 season in the league in Cleveland before he was moved in the deal that sent Channing Frye to the Cavaliers before the trade deadline on Thursday. The 33-year-old failed to get significant playing time in Cleveland this season after returning from a torn Achilles tendon, averaging just 2.6 points and 2.9 rebounds in 10.0 minutes.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks also bolstered their frontline after acquiring former Warriors forward David Lee, Shams Charania of The Vertical first reported.
Lee, who won a title with the Warriors last season before he was traded to the Boston Celtics in the offseason, accepted a prorated portion of the Mavericks $2.1 million room exception.
Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told ESPN that Lee, who averaged 7.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 30 games with the Celtics this season, could provide a boost to their playoff hopes this season.
"We think he can play both big positions, some 4 and some backup 5," Carlisle said of Lee. "I just think he's a quality veteran player who has been in a situation in Boston where they were overstocked and decided to go with some younger guys. We believe he can help us."
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