AP
OAKLAND, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors agreed Sunday night to a contract with recently released center Anderson Varejao for the rest of the season.
A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed that Varejao will join the Warriors. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team had not announced the deal. Yahoo Sports first reported the move.
Varejao had spent all 12 seasons of his NBA career with Cleveland before being dealt last week to Portland in a three-team trade that sent Channing Frye from Orlando to the Cavaliers. The Trail Blazers immediately cut the Brazilian, leaving him able to sign with any team.
Despite a 49-5 record, the Warriors had a need for another big body to play center. Starter Andrew Bogut missed Saturday’s game with a strained right Achilles and key backup Festus Ezeli is out until at least late March with an injured left knee.
Coach Steve Kerr has few other proven options up front with Marreese Speights being inconsistent all season, James Michael McAdoo out since December with a sprained toe and rookie Kevon Looney having barely played all season.
Golden State reportedly will cut the ineffective Jason Thompson to make room for the 33-year-old Varejao, who saw his playing time dwindle significantly this season as he all but dropped out of the rotation in Cleveland. He played just 31 games, averaging 2.6 points, 2.9 rebounds and 10 minutes.
For his career, Varejao has averaged 7.6 points and 7.5 rebounds. He has also played 71 playoff games but missed last year’s postseason for Cleveland because of a torn left Achilles.