The Akron Beacon Journal (Brian Windhorst) reports via blog: “The Cavs have had trade talks with at least five teams about Varejao. But these talks have three sides, the Cavs, the potential trading partner and Varejao’s agent, Dan Fegan. Because Andy has to give permission to be traded before Dec. 5 (a stipulation when a player has an offer sheet matched by his team), he must be in the loop before a deal can be done. This permission will be given (he cannot be traded to the Bobcats under any circumstances until Dec.) only if Fegan likes the chances of Varejao getting big minutes and having an important role at his new destination. The reason is this is Varejao’s contract year essentially and a big season would mean a chance at the big deal Andy has wanted for a year. I also know that at least one trading partner has already been told “no” by Fegan. I do not know which team, but keep in mind as the Cavs are linked to the Milwaukee Bucks in trade rumors that Fegan also represents Yi Jianlian and probably would not like Varejao and Yi fighting for minutes with one another.”

The Miami Herald reports (via their Heat blog): Memphis point guard Derrick Rose finished his workout Thursday with the Bulls and all signs point toward the hometown kid being taken by Chicago No. 1. It’s no secret that Rose had been projected to be taken first but now there seems to be a stronger indication that it could happen in a week. Rose said he did not expect to work out for the Heat, which holds the No. 2 pick.

The Arizona Republic (Paul Coro) reports: Suns star Amaré Stoudemire declined the opportunity to be an Olympian this summer for USA Basketball. Jerry Colangelo, managing director for the USA Basketball senior men’s national team, said today that Stoudemire is not on the 12-man Olympic roster that will be announced Monday in Chicago. “Amaré has pulled himself out of consideration for the roster and that’s predicated on, despite the fact that he’s had an injury-free year coming back (from knee surgeries in 2005 and 2006), he’s a little hesitant on pushing the envelope too hard,” Colangelo said.

The Memphis Commercial-Appeal (Ronald Tillery) reports: The Grizzlies have experienced a different kind of La Bomba than they have become accustomed to. Spanish guard Juan Carlos Navarro’s chances of returning for a second season in Memphis were blown to pieces Wednesday afternoon when he decided to re-sign with FC Barcelona. Navarro, who earned $538,000 with the Grizzlies last season, was swayed by a deal that will pay him between $20million and $24 million over the next four years.

InsideHoops.com says: Well, he came over and hoped to compete on a good NBA team with his buddy Pau Gasol. But Gasol got traded, the Grizzlies have just a few decent players and are light-years away from competing, and FC Barcelona saw an opening to get Navarro and took it. As for the NBA, Navarro turned out as expected, a very limited defensive player who can fire and make quick outside shots.