A report from Italy this weekend indicated that power forward Jarvis Varnado was close to an agreement with Italy's Sidigas Avellino, but Varnado still expects to take part in training camp with the Heat, agent Mitch Frankel tells Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Twitter link). Miami's brass is pleased with the improvements the 25-year-old is making to his game, Frankel says. Sportando's Emiliano Carchia hears from a source close to Varnado who says that though the Italian team made an offer, the two sides aren't nearing a deal.
Varnado is under a non-guaranteed contract for the minimum salary with the Heat for the coming season. The deal becomes partially guaranteed for $250K if he isn't waived on or before October 29th, but Winderman has heard from agents who've been told the Heat plan to carry only 13 players during the season. The team has 13 guaranteed deals on the books, so that would make Varnado a longshot to make the team. Still, Frankel characterized any dialogue he might have about his client with international teams as routine business for players without guaranteed deals (Twitter link).
The Heat wield the final decision on where Varnado will play this season, regardless of how negotiations proceed between Varnado and any foreign club. Miami signed Varnado to his deal in late January after first inking him to a pair of 10-day contracts. The Mississippi State alum also spent time with the Celtics last season.