The Dallas Mavericks will waive center JaVale McGee while stretching out the remainder of his three-year, $17 million contract, according to Shams Charania.
The Dallas Mavericks are planning to stretch-and-waive center JaVale McGee and re-sign F/C Markieff Morris on a deal, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Mavs must execute stretch-and-waive by next week.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 22, 2023
The Mavericks had previously hinted at a shakeup in the middle, and that plan is now in fruition with Christian Wood on the free-agent market and McGee set to join him. There’s a certain team that McGee could turn to for his next opportunity—a system and city he’s familiar with.
NBA Rumors: Mavericks to Waive JaVale McGee; Lakers Must Pursue Him
Background
A three-time NBA champion, the 35-year-old JaVale McGee has bounced around the league since his last title with the Los Angeles Lakers. After contributing to the Purple and Gold’s 2020 title run, McGee was traded (along with a 2026 second-round pick) to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Alfonzo McKinnie and Jordan Bell. After playing 33 games in “The Land” and averaging eight points and 5.2 rebounds a night, he was traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he previously played from 2012 to 2015. His second stint in the Mile High City was decent. In 13 games and 13.5 minutes, McGee put up 5.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. He shot 63 percent from the field and 70 percent from the free-throw line.
After Denver, McGee signed with the Phoenix Suns in 2021 and played 74 games. He averaged a respectable 9.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game in 15 minutes of action a night. His past season with Dallas was less productive, however, mainly due to injuries. Over 42 games, McGee’s averages dropped across the board: 4.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game.
McGee and Lakers Reunion?
At 35, McGee’s next contract could be his last. His career is heading for the sunset after more than 15 years of service. With that in mind, a second stint with the Lakers could make the most sense for him.
The Purple and Gold are still looking for reinforcements at the five and have been linked to Christian Wood for a while. However, if Wood finds a better opportunity elsewhere, then McGee makes for an ideal Lakers target.
McGee had a career year for the Lakers in 2018-19. He appeared in 75 games (62 starts) and averaged 12 points and 7.5 rebounds. The following season came with adjustments, but McGee stayed ready. He started 68 games in the regular season and played efficiently in 16 minutes a night. He averaged 6.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in that span. The postseason was a different story for JaVale, with other opportunities going to Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard. Still, McGee remained a true professional, playing solid in spot minutes to help the Lakers against standout centers, and it clearly paid off.
Fast forward three later, and the Lakers are trying to replicate the winning formula. Who better to help them out than McGee? Despite his age and injuries, he can still produce when called upon. McGee recorded a season-high 18 points in 17 minutes off the bench against the Chicago Bulls—a bright spot in a 29-point loss. He also put up 11 points and nine rebounds in a win over the Sacramento Kings in February.
Finally, McGee has family ties to LA. His mother, Pamela, had a Hall-of-Fame career with USC basketball—winning two NCAA titles in 1983 and ‘84—and played for the LA Sparks in 1998.
The Last Word
JaVale McGee’s market is currently unknown as roster spots continue to disappear. However, the Lakers are certainly a viable option for him. He’s familiar with Davis and LeBron James, could have the same role he had in 2020, and would serve as a great mentor to Jaxson Hayes. The team should be expressing interest in a reunion if they want their backup big man problem to end finally.
