Cleveland Cavaliers: Trading Varejao Would Be Everything That LeBron James isn’t
The Cleveland Cavaliers are considering trading Anderson Varejao, but it wouldn’t add up to what LeBron James has preached through the past year
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LeBron James has been questioned for many things over the course of his career. One thing that he hasn’t been questioned about, though, is his love for Cleveland — and that’s even considering the fact that he left in 2010.
Even after “The Decision,” I don’t think anyone really questioned his love for Cleveland more than the fact that he realized he wasn’t going to be able to win a championship alone.
LeBron sold the media — and everyone else that was willing to listen — on the fact that he was returning home (to Cleveland) in order to finally accomplish the improbable feat of bringing his hometown team an NBA Championship.
And while he’s well on his way to doing that, in the process, it appears, he’ll have to face the decision of selling himself out for achieving said goal.
A somewhat surprising rumor leaked Sunday afternoon, which said the Cleveland Cavaliers were considering trading Brandan Haywood’s expiring contract and Anderson Varejao for Joe Johnson. While the Cavs would benefit some from acquiring a player like Johnson, is it worth it to simply dump the man that has been Mr. Cleveland for the last 11 years for Cavs fans?
"[via ESPN]The Cleveland Cavaliers are considering trading for Brooklyn Nets star Joe Johnson with their Brendan Haywood contract chip, sources told ESPN.com.…One possible option for the Cavs would be sending big man Anderson Varejao to the Nets in such a deal. Varejao will make $9.6 million this upcoming season as part of an extension he signed last year. Varejao suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in December but is on track to return by the start of the season.The possibility of moving Varejao, who has played his entire 11-year career with the Cavs, could be behind the Cavs’ interest in free-agent forward David West over the last several days. West has indicated he wants to play for a Finals contender, and the Cavs have been attempting to recruit him, sources said."
Varejao is the longest tenure Cleveland Cavaliers player on the roster — has been through the up and downs from LeBron getting drafted to LeBron leaving and then returning. Varejao has been the only constant for Cleveland in the last 11 seasons.
Even though business is usually business in the NBA, it doesn’t sit right with me if the Cavs were to trade Varejao this summer, only to see Cleveland win their first chip ever, which is very likely, next June. That isn’t right for me, it shouldn’t feel right for you and it probably doesn’t in the eyes of LeBron James.
If it does, something has drastically changed.
Since LeBron penned that letter in Sports Illustrated, he has been trying to feed us “homecoming.” He and Varejao are reportedly close. How close, exactly?
Well, shortly after the Cavs’ NBA Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors, LeBron James called Varejao a “close friend” and “one of the heartbeats” of the team. That was MONTHS AGO.
I know this league is cutthroat, but after what we’re witnessing so far this offseason — where LeBron isn’t even talking to the Cleveland Cavaliers until he ensures that his “guys” get paid by Dan Gilbert — it wouldn’t add up to see LeBron OK a deal to send Varejao to Brooklyn to bring in a guy that may or may not have something left in the tank.
And, yes, LeBron is calling the shots in Cleveland. If you had any doubt, just look at what’s happening in free agency.
If Cleveland fans want to play the game where they say the Cavs personify everything that the city is, they’re wrong. Anderson Varejao personifies everything Cleveland is.
He’s the one that’s been loyal, has seen the team through thick and thin and has been committed since day one. He didn’t leave. He didn’t beg LeBron to come back. He’s been rolling with the punches. He’s Cleveland.
And after all that, ya’ll still want to trade him. I thought loyalty was a two-way street?
Turns out it isn’t. Unless your name is LeBron James.