Cleveland Cavs Rumor Mill: Parts Two through Eight

Day Eight Rumors

*Anderson Varejao will remain a Cav after all. The Cleveland Plain Dealer is reporting that the sides have reached an agreement on a six-year, approximately $50 million deal.

According to their sources, the big issue for the Cavs was his cap number for 2010, which will be $7 million. Varejao felt slighted by GM Danny Ferry during his last negotiation, but apparently Ferry was able to better relay the message that "we want you" but we need cap space in 2010 to remain competitive and resign LeBron when the time comes.

By back-ending the deal, both sides were able to save face after Varejao failed to get the interest he wanted, while the Cavs failed to land R. Wallace, Ariza, or Artest.

*Despite the signing of Varejao, the team is still in search of one more big forward who can shoot it and a taller wing player. As reported here several days ago, 6'6" Anthony Parker will be that wing. Parker has a contract in hand right now.

*The last piece to the puzzle will likely be Channing Frye or Linas Kleiza. I was somewhat critical of Frye in yesterday's piece and I am sticking to my guns. However, with Shaq, Z, and Varejao already in the mix, Frye would have value to the Cavs as someone who can shoot the ball from outside 15 feet at 6'11".

My fear was that he would become the starter. But with Varejao on the squad, he will be coming off the bench. Hopefully the strong personalities of LeBron and Shaq can light a fire under the somewhat underachieving Frye.

Day Nine Rumors

*It appears the Channing Frye talk is starting to fizzle after the agreement with Verejao was reached. Surprisingly, there is some rumors floating around that the Cavs are in the hunt for Glen "Big Baby" Davis of the Celtics. Where the money is coming from or how the Celtics could let him go to a divisional rival is anyone's guess. Davis only averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds in the regular season playing limited minutes behind Kevin Garnett for most of the year. But the big 6'9", 290 pound Davis averaged almost 16 points and 6 rebounds in 14 playoff games. Given his age, size and improving overall game, the Celtics would be making a huge mistake in letting him go. Replacing him with the aging Rasheed Wallace just does not make sense.

*The Anthony Parker deal is all but signed. Reportedly, it is a two-year deal at around $3 million per year. For the money, this is a great deal for the Cavs. At 6'6" with a wide wing-span, he will make a big difference in defending the perimeter. On the offensive side of the ball, he does nothing spectacular, but everything well. He is extremely intelligent and works hard, having to pay his dues in the European leagues before getting a real shot in the NBA. In case you didn't know it, he is the brother of WNBA star and former woman's college All-American Candace Parker.

*The Verejao contract is puzzling. He is a valuable member of the team, just not at that price. Despite the wrangling from his agent, the Cavs look like they bid against themselves.

*If the team is unable to sign Davis or Limas Kleiza, it is likely that the Cavs will just re-sign veteran Joe Smith. Despite his age, Smith is a solid veteran off the bench. He inexplicably fell out of the rotation in the playoffs after producing solid minutes down the stretch last year.