Anderson Varejao, Cavaliers Agree on New Contract: Latest Details and Reaction

Anderson Varejao was in Cleveland during the early stages of LeBron James' career. He stayed loyal during the rebuilding years. Now, it looks like he'll remain there for the rest of his career.

The Cavaliers announced they have come to an agreement with their 32-year-old big man on a multiyear contract extension:

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports provides financial details of the deal:

Cavaliers general manager David Griffin spoke about the extension in the team's release:

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Anderson represents how this franchise wants to approach the game of basketball, both on the court and off. He has been a key part of our foundation for years and we are very happy that he will continue to be part of our Cavs family as we work towards our goals at the highest level. Andy is, and has been, a tireless worker, an incredible teammate and a great competitor that plays with a rare combination of energy and intensity that makes him truly special.

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Originally on the final year of a six-year, $48 million deal he signed in 2009, Varejao ensures that he will be a member of the Cavs as the twilight of his career approaches.

The long-term deal may be met with a slight tinge of skepticism only for the fact that the Brazilian, who already has 10 seasons under his NBA belt, has struggled to stay healthy. In the last four seasons, he has played in just 146 out of a possible 312 games.

Nevertheless, he has earned the right to finish out his career—or at least get close—with his only NBA team to date.

In just 27.7 minutes per game last season, Varejao averaged 8.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks. While he isn't a spectacular talent, he is among the league's best rebounders and defenders, and his energy is typically unmatched on a night-to-night basis.

Even with the return of James and the addition of Kevin Love, Varejao's importance in Cleveland is evident.

"Varejao puts his body in harm's way (taking charges), and he has missed a ton of games," Grantland's Zach Lowe explained. "An injury to Cleveland's best big-man defender would be catastrophic to its title hopes."

Furthermore, the front office likely found it extremely difficult to overlook his status as a fan favorite in Cleveland or, more importantly, his relationship with James, which goes all the way back to Varejao's rookie campaign in 2004-05.

The duo's comfort level with each other was a large reason Varejao was named the opening-day starter at center over Tristan Thompson.

Lynne Sladky/Associated Press

"Yeah, it was easy," James said of getting reacclimated, via the Akron Beacon Journal's Marla Ridenour. "It's like riding a bike for me and Andy."

It will be interesting to see what this move means for the future of the 23-year-old Thompson, who could become a restricted free agent in the summer.

That's a concern for the future, though. Presently, the Cavs have locked up one of the most valuable role players in the NBA.