Cleveland Cavaliers news and rumors reveal that Anderson Varejao would likely remain with the team as executives are aggressively pursuing a deal to extend his contract. In the other front, negotiations with Tristan Thompson have stalled with the deadline fast approaching.

According to the Cleveland Cavaliers news, roster and rumors from Bleacher Report, the team is correct in offering center Anderson Varejao a contract extension considering that the Brazilian is a crucial part of its championship quest.

"Varejao has six years of experience playing alongside James and at least two with fellow starters Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters," the article noted. "He provides a bit of familiarity within a starting five and rotation that has endured significant turnover and brought in a lot of new faces."

Also, Anderson Varejao is also considered a close friend by Lebron James, who signed with the team over the off-season. In fact, multiple articles have cited that the Brazilian was one of the reasons why the two-time champion went back to the Cavaliers.

He was even mentioned in the long essay by Lebron James, published on Sports Illustrated, where the MVP called Anderson Varejao "one of my favorite teammates."

Although considered as injury prone and his defense is suspect, the Bleacher Report said that it's hard to argue with the numbers as the Brazilian averaged 8.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.1 steals in just 27.7 minutes through 65 appearances.

Meanwhile, in other Cleveland Cavaliers news, roster and rumors from ESPN, talks with Tristan Thompson for a contract extension has stalled.

But sources told ESPN that both sides are not giving up in hammering out a deal before the deadline.

"Thompson, a big man who specializes in offensive rebounding, is believed to be looking for something around the $12 million-per-season extensions the Denver Nuggets gave Kenneth Faried this month and the Utah Jazz gave Derrick Favors last October," the article said.