NBA Rumors: Emergence of Tristan Thompson Makes Anderson Varejao Expendable

The Cavaliers must not get too enamored with their moderate success so far this season. They are still in a rebuilding mode. The Cavs would be wise not to pursue playoff contention aggressively, beyond the on-the-floor effort.

This is why they should listen to trade inquiries for Anderson Varejao.

The play of Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson is very encouraging, but another lottery selection in what will be a deep 2012 NBA Draft will help the Cavs speed up the rebuilding process.

The play of Thompson makes veteran and fan-favorite Varejao expendable. He is a quality big man, with good athleticism and is considered one of the best defensive big men in the NBA.

So why trade him?

The Cavs are a team of the future, if everything continues in the direction it is headed now. The young point guard is in place, Thompson looks like a keeper at power forward, but most every other position could use a significant upgrade.

Thompson will be productive as a starter, and Varejao would be a huge pickup for a team that is contending. Acquiring a young player or two, with a late first-round draft pick would go even further towards the rebuilding efforts.

Antawn Jamison's huge contract is due to come off the books at the end of this year, but it is unlikely the Cavs will be able to sign one of the big-name free agents, as Cleveland is not yet a major draw for players. The fact is, it may never become that draw.

The Cavs must realize they have to build through the draft and carefully planned trades to get to an elite level.

Right now, the Cavs are ninth in the East—they figure to hover anywhere from ninth to 11th all season. Even if moving Varejao causes a slight fall-off this season, it helps in the long-term goal of ultimately bringing an NBA championship to Cleveland.

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