Former Cleveland Cavaliers center JaVale McGee is officially a member of the Denver Nuggets, with both teams announcing the move on Friday.
In exchange for McGee, the Cavs received center Isaiah Hartenstein and two second-round draft picks from the Nuggets. The picks sent to the Cavs are for the 2023 draft (top-46 protected) and 2027 draft (unprotected).
McGee, 33, had been playing the role of veteran leader and first center off the bench in his first year with the Cavs. He has won championships with the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, and the Cavs were appreciative of his effort and willingness to serve as a winning example for the team’s younger players.
But an expiring contract and doubtful future led the organization to seek a trade.
It was a great deal for the Nuggets, a quiet contender who were looking to replace previous backup Miles Plumlee, who left for the Detroit Pistons during free agency this past offseason.
McGee compiled averages of 8.0 points and 5.2 rebounds while backing up Andre Drummond and later, Jarrett Allen. This will mark McGee’s third stint with the Nuggets. He also played for the franchise during the 2011-12 season, then again from 2012-15.
Hartenstein, 22, was courted by the Cavs before signing a two-year deal with the Nuggets as a free agent before the season. A second-round pick (No. 43 overall) by the Houston Rockets in 2017, Hartenstein averaged 3.5 points and 2.8 boards with the Nuggets.
