Cavs lose center Chris Andersen to torn ACL

— -- Cleveland Cavaliers center Chris Andersen tore his ACL in practice Friday, the team announced.

Andersen is the team's third-string center, but the Cavs used him when their opponents went with bigger lineups, because backup center Channing Frye is undersized some nights.

The injury leaves the Cavs with just 13 healthy players and just three traditional big men: Frye, Tristan Thompson and Kevin Love.

The Cavs, who have the league's highest payroll, have looked for ways to trade Mo Williams?to clear his salary off the books. Williams had knee surgery before the season and did not report to camp, but he is still on the Cavs' roster.

They will have the same problem with Andersen, who has a guaranteed contract.

Cutting Andersen to open a roster spot would cost the team roughly $4 million in luxury taxes alone, and a new player could potentially add another $4 million in salary and tax.

Andersen played in 12 games this season, averaging 2.3 points and 2.6 rebounds.