‘Wild Thing’ returns: Cavs match Varejao offer

CLEVELAND (AP) — Anderson Varejao will play for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, after all.

The Cavaliers matched the Charlotte Bobcats’ $17 million, three-year offer sheet for the restricted free agent Wednesday, ending a contract dispute and giving injury-depleted Cleveland some much-needed help.

“His size, his athleticism, his strength, his knowledge, all that stuff — yes, it’s an added bonus,” coach Mike Brown said before Cleveland’s game at the Washington Wizards Wednesday night.

The Cavaliers had a week to match the offer sheet or lose the 6-foot-10 Varejao to the Bobcats.

They didn’t take nearly that long. Cleveland’s decision came only a day after Charlotte and Varejao agreed to terms — and a day after the Cavaliers’ fourth straight loss. That included going 0-3 without LeBron James, who sprained his left index finger a week ago and was missing his fourth game in a row Wednesday.

Brown criticized his team’s lack of effort Tuesday in a 100-79 loss to New Jersey, something Varejao should be able to help improve.

“We’re looking forward to getting him in Cleveland and getting him back on the basketball court,” Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said. “He’s a player we respect and admire and he’ll help us become a better basketball team.”

Varejao isn’t much of a scorer, but the 25-year-old, mop-haired Brazilian known for his energetic defense should help the Cavaliers regain their intensity on the court.

“I’m happy to have him back, especially now, when we are down guys,” forward Drew Gooden said. “He will be helpful for us.”

A fan favorite, Varejao averaged a career-best 6.8 points and 6.7 rebounds last season as the Cavaliers reached the NBA finals for the first time.

Brown said Wednesday he hadn’t spoken to Varejao and wasn’t sure when the player would join the Cavaliers.

It’s possible Varejao could be with Cleveland as soon as Saturday’s game at Charlotte, but he still needs to have visa issues worked out, travel from Brazil and pass a physical, making next Tuesday’s home game against Indiana more likely for his return.

“Whether it’s practice or whatever, he’s just got to get out there and start banging heads right away,” Brown said. “You’ve got to find minutes for him on the floor, because there’s not a ton of practice time.”

Varejao could opt out of the deal after the second season and become an unrestricted free agent. He said last week he would prefer to play for another team.