NBA Trade Rumors: Why Cavs' Anderson Varejao Will Be Dealt During 2012-13 Season

Anderson Varejao has been through it all with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, as the franchise rebuilds with Kyrie Irving as the centerpiece, Varejao won’t be a part of it.

Bob Finnan of the News-Herald projects that Varejao will start at center for Byron Scott, but that he is expendable by February’s trade deadline.

The Cavs' curly-haired big man will earn more than $17 million with the team over the next two years, with a team option in 2014.

The Cavs are a deep sleeper to contend for a playoff spot, but they are probably a year or two away. If they fall out of contention early, the better the chance the 30-year-old Varejao will be dealt.

Those two years will be productive ones for Varejao, so he’s not just an expiring contract in two years. He will provide defense, rebounding and hustle plays, night after night. Let's not forget that he’s a strong locker room guy as well.

Last year was one of the Brazilian’s best. He averaged a double-double in points and rebounds. His PER rating was over 18, which was an unprecedented feat for a big who does not shoot much nor score through plays run for him.

Throughout his career, he’s averaged seven points per game, along with seven rounds, a block and a steal.

Ideally, Varejao would be a defensive sub off the bench for a title contender. Perhaps he would fit in the Chicago Bulls bench mob if Derrick Rose looks healthy. Other good fits would include the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets.

Varejao has been loyal to Cleveland, but his time with the organization is likely coming to a close.

Varejao went through the LeBron James years and went to the NBA Finals. He acted as a defensive anchor for numerous title contenders. If a team needs a defensive presence, the Brazilian big will be sure to go.

Mike Shiekman is a Breaking News Writer at Bleacher Report. Follow his thoughts on sports and the universe on Twitter @TheRealShiek