Gooden anyone?

[EricaLubarsky]

July 7, 2007 - 9:05 pm
The News-Herald -
If the Cleveland Cavaliers are forced to match an offer sheet to forward Anderson Varejao from the Memphis Grizzlies that they deem exuberant, league sources say they have entertained thoughts of dealing starter Drew Gooden.

The Cavs are already paying Gooden $6.4 million this year. In their thinking, they can't justify paying Varejao more than the starter. It's unclear whether Memphis has formally given Varejao an offer sheet, but if the Grizzlies haven't, one appears to be coming.

Bulls forward Andres Nocioni has agreed to a five-year, $38 million deal with Chicago, but he can't sign the contract until Wednesday. Nocioni supposedly was No. 1 on the Grizzlies' free-agent wish list. With him off the table, Memphis likely will come after the 6-foot-10, 240-pound Varejao. The Grizzlies can offer a contract starting at more than $8 million for the valuable Brazilian big man.

Sources say the Cavs are not going to let Varejao walk away from the team for nothing. He's a restricted free agent, and they can match any offer