The Cleveland Cavaliers finally took home the Larry O’Brien trophy last season, but their energetic, afro-rocking big man Anderson Varejao was no longer with them to hoist the championship.
The 33-year-old Brazilian spent 11-and-a-half seasons with the Cavs, but eventually ended up playing against his former team during the Finals, as a member of the Golden State Warriors.
For his contributions during the first half of the 2015-2016 season, the team offered Varejao an NBA championship ring. However, the 6’11″ center is still contemplating if he will accept the offer, according to Anthony Slater of the Bay Area News Group.
Anderson Varejao says the Cavs did offer him a ring but “I haven’t made my decision yet”
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) September 26, 2016
In an attempt to add more shooting in their front court, the Cavs traded Varejao to the Portland Trailblazers in February to make way for the sweet-shooting Channing Frye. He was immediately waived by the team and joined the Bay Area franchise.
The Dubs are bringing him back for another season, after signing him under the veteran’s minimum of $1.55 million.
The defending champions, meanwhile, have also extended the same courtesy of giving a championship ring to former coach David Blatt.
He led the team to 30 wins and 11 losses at the start of the season before being replaced by assistant coach Tyronn Lue last January. Khristian Ibarrola