Veteran center JaVale McGee is on an expiring and manageable contract, and the Cleveland Cavaliers are indeed open to moving him.
But if they can’t trade him before Thursday’s deadline, they have no intention of reaching agreement on a contract buyout, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com. Instead, the Cavs would opt to just keep McGee for the remainder of the season.
Along with the Brooklyn Nets, the Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets have shown at least small interest in McGee, sources told FortyEightMinutes. One source also mentioned the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets as potential destinations.
McGee is believed to be open to staying with the Cavs or, if traded, would prefer it be to a playoff team, sources said. Fittingly, the Cavs indeed have been discussing potential McGee trades with playoff contenders.
But again, the Cavs don’t feel any pressure to move McGee — so there’s a chance he could remain with the club for at least the rest of the season. Right now, he is the only backup to starter Jarrett Allen, given the Andre Drummond situation. And it’s a role McGee has enjoyed.
The Cavs also like having a veteran voice who has “been there,” as McGee has won championships as a member of the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers.
McGee, 33, is averaging 8.0 points and 5.2 rebounds on the season. His contract is for one year and $4.2 million.
Cleveland reportedly is also offering Kevin Love in trade talks and is open to deals involving Cedi Osman, Taurean Prince and perhaps a few others.
The NBA trade deadline is 3 p.m. EST on Thursday.
