Report: Cavaliers, Varejao nearing 3-year, $30-million extension

The Cleveland Cavaliers are close to signing long-time center Anderson Varejao to a three-year extension worth $30 million, as reported by ESPN's Marc Stein.

Reports surfaced earlier this week that the 32-year-old Varejao was in talks to secure a contract extension. Varejao has spent the entirety of his 10-year career in Cleveland since being drafted 30th overall in 2004.

Last season, Varejao averaged 8.4 points and 9.7 rebounds per game in 65 games played. He is a mobile defender who can effectively play both frontcourt positions, but has battled injury issues throughout his career.

Varejao's contract has one more season left on his current deal, so his extension will kick in at the start of the 2015-16 season. 

The Cavaliers are also reportedly in contract talks with power forward Tristan Thompson. Currently, Varejao is slated to begin the season as Cleveland's starting center, though Thompson enjoyed that role for much of last season.

Varejao's mobility and defensive instincts make him an ideal frontcourt mate for LeBron James, who recently said he was very comfortable playing alongside Varejao.