NBA Rumors: Cavs May Have Master Plan For Unheralded Center, Possibly Tied to Varejao Signing

KEY POINTS

Cavaliers will sign Anderson Varejao, a report says, possibly to give him a proper send-off
Varejao could be tasked to help develop young big men, such as Mfiondu Kabengele
Kabengele looms as a project player who will be part of the Cavs' future

The Cleveland Cavaliers are practically out of the 2020-21 NBA season but are still signing players. It appears the Cavs are trying to finish the season with able bodies and will worry about what the future holds later.

The team will sign Anderson Varejao for the rest of the season, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported, citing unnamed sources.

At 38, it does not seem likely that Varejao will be back next season as a player. However, he could be there for another reason – to guide the young big men and help them improve their craft.

Most know that the plan of the Cavs is to invest in young guys. But the center slot is something that still needs addressing. Could this be the reason why Cleveland has taken in a little-known but young player in Canadian Mfiondu Kabengele?

The 23-year-old was signed to a multi-year deal, something that would initially not make sense. But for those who may not know, the Canadian had two 10-day contracts with the club before he was signed to a long-term deal. Add Varejao to the equation, and the Cavs could be up to something.

At 6-foot-9, Kabengele could be someone whom the Cavs may be investing in as a project player. He has played in seven games for the Cavs this season, averaging 3.4 points, 1.9 rebounds and an assist in 9.4 minutes of action. But the fact that he was signed to a multi-year contract hints that head coach J.B. Bickerstaff may have seen something special in the Florida State product.

Varejao is well-loved in Cleveland, making him the perfect mentor to the Ontario native. He had 12 good years with the franchise, and there is a possibility that he may have been taken in with plans of helping in some other capacity.

Varejao is known for his hard-nosed play and was once a member of the NBA All-Defensive team. The murmurs are that he was brought back to be given a proper send-off. After that, it won’t come as a surprise if the Cavs ask him to pass on his brand of basketball to the young guys, especially Kabengele.