<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">CLEVELAND ? The Cavaliers may be making some "big" decisions in the coming weeks. A league source said power forward Anderson Varejao could sign an offer sheet from the Memphis Grizzlies that will pay him more than the mid-level exception, which is expected to be between $5.5 million and $6 million. However, the Grizzlies, who have slightly more than $8 million to spend, also are reportedly courting Chicago's Andres Nocioni, so there's a chance the Cavaliers could get lucky and spend only mid-level money to retain Varejao. Using $7 million as a starting point and factoring in the maximum 8 percent annual raise allowed for a potential five-year contract, Varejao's potential deal with Memphis would be worth slightly more than $41 million. The Cavaliers would have the right to match that offer and almost certainly would, but they are not thrilled with the idea of paying Varejao, a reserve, more than starting power forward Drew Gooden, who will make $6.4 million next season. For that reason, the source said, the Cavaliers have been listening to offers involving big men Varejao, Gooden, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Donyell Marshall.</div> Source: Medina Gazette
We need to get rid of one or two out of Ilgauskas, Gooden, Varejao and Marshall. The first choice for me would be Marshall, and then there's a nice three-man rotation at the 4 and 5. However, the contracts of these players would exceed $23 million for mext season, should Andy be resigned. On top of other contracts that are too high *coughlarryhughescough* it is too much to be paying this early on. In addition, LeBron's huge contract kicks in this year, though that is thoroughly deserved. It may be disappointing to have to let go Varejao or Gooden, but it might have to happen. Another possibility is to let go of Ilgauskas and have Varejao play at Center, but then we would almost definitely need a veteran player to help in the rotation. It will no doubt be an extremely difficult decision for Ferry to make, and I wonder if he is the right man to do it.
