The Cleveland Cavaliers will sign free agent big man Larry Sanders to a deal according to multiple reports.

The deal will be for the remainder of the season as well as a team option for the 2017-2018 season.

After Andrew Bogut’s season ending leg injury, the team had to go in search for another rim protector. Sanders worked out for Cleveland a couple weeks ago but no deal was made at that point. 

Sanders is trying to make a comeback after being out of basketball for the last two years. He was dealing with anxiety, mood disorders as well as an alleged marijuana problem. 

Before all that, he was one of the rising stars in basketball and one of the building blocks for the Milwaukee Bucks. Milwaukee thought so highly that they gave him a $44 million dollar contract extension in 2013.

A first round pick out of VCU in 2010, Sanders quickly became one of the top defensive bigs in the NBA. His first run in the league, he averaged 5.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game.

His best statistical season came in 2012-2013 where he averaged 9.8 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game for the Bucks.

It’s unknown what he has physically for basketball but the Cavaliers are giving him an opportunity. 

If he’s ready for the postseason, he’ll likely be the fourth big behind Tristan Thompson, Kevin Love and Channing Frye.

If he can make somewhat of a contribution, I don’t see why Cleveland wouldn’t bring him back next year as his defensive prowess (if it’s still there) will be a much needed asset for the Cavaliers.