Basketball: Cavs sign Brazilian Forward

The Cavaliers signed Brazilian rookie forward Anderson Varejao to a three-year contract Thursday.

Cleveland acquired the U.S. rights to the 21-year-old Varejao in the July 23 trade that sent forward Tony Battie and two second-round National Basketball Association draft picks to Orlando for forward Drew Gooden and center Steven Hunter, who was waived last week.

"Anderson has a wealth of international experience, both professionally and for his national team," Cavaliers general manager Jim Paxson said. "We're very optimistic that he can develop into a contributor."

The 6-foot-10 (2.08-meter) Varejao was drafted by the Magic with the first pick in the second round in the June draft, 30th overall. He averaged 7.7 points and 5.1 rebounds for F.C. Barcelona last season in 16 Euroleague games.

Varejao, who began his career with Franca in his native Brazil, has played the last three seasons with Barcleona, winning Spanish league titles the past two years.