NDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) -- Kevin Love doesn't believe the Cleveland Cavaliers will trade him.
Despite weeks of rumors that the NBA champions have been in trade talks with the New York Knicks about a deal involving Carmelo Anthony for the All-Star forward, Love said Friday that he expects "to be here for a long time." Love said he has grown accustomed to having his name in trade speculation.
Love missed Cleveland's past two games and sat out the second half of a game last week with back spasms. But he'll return to the lineup Saturday when the Cavs visit the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. An MRI taken this work didn't reveal any structural damage, and Love said the team has a better handle on his back issue.
Love said he didn't receive a shot to help his back and he'd only get one as "a last resort."
Warriors: Anderson Varejao waived from roster
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The Golden State Warriors have waived center Anderson Varejao to clear a roster spot on the NBA's top team as it deals with depth issues and injuries.
Golden State announced the move Friday, a day after the Brazilian big man played eight-plus minutes in a road win at the Clippers. The Warriors are gearing up for the return of David West from a nondisplaced fracture of his left thumb sustained Jan. 18 against Oklahoma City. Starting center Zaza Pachulia is sidelined until at least next week with a strained rotator cuff in his right shoulder.
Varejao averaged 1.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 6.6 minutes per game for Golden State, playing 14 games with one start.
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The Warriors (43-7) play again Saturday night at Sacramento.
