Cavaliers announce signing of Sasha Kaun

The Cleveland Cavaliers have signed Russian center Sasha Kaun, the team announced Wednesday.

The 7-footer has reportedly signed a two-year, $2.5-million deal that includes a player option for 2016-17. Given Cleveland's current standing as a potentially historic luxury-tax payer, the real cost of Kaun's $1.2-million 2015-16 salary is closer to $4 million.

That's a big number when the team already has Timofey Mozgov installed at center and Anderson Varejao returning after last season's Achilles injury, but the franchise is leaving no stone unturned in their quest for the city's first championship in over 50 years. And, despite the additional frontcourt presence of Kevin Love and likely Tristan Thompson, the Cavs may not have been comfortable with the soon-to-be 33-year-old Varejao entering the season with a significant role.

Kaun, the No. 56 overall pick out of Kansas in 2008, comes with championship pedigree, if not gaudy numbers. He's won five VTB United League and Russian League championships, an NCAA title, and an Olympic bronze medal, using his 250-plus-pound frame to score efficiently around the basket.

Last season, Kaun shot 69.1 percent from the floor with CSKA Moscow, averaging 9.9 points and 4.5 rebounds. He's a career 70.2-percent shooter in Russia and shot 61.9 percent as a senior at Kansas in 2007-08.