The Cleveland Cavaliers are finalizing a trade to send JaVale McGee to the Denver Nuggets, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium. The Denver Post's Michael Singer first reported Isaiah Hartenstein going to the Cavs in the deal, with ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski also reporting two protected second-round picks going to Cleveland.
Here are the details on the picks:
Cleveland is acquiring a 2027 unprotected second-round pick and 2023 protected second-round pick protected through No. 46, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
This will be McGee's second stint in Denver in his NBA career. After starting with the Washington Wizards, the center was sent to the Nuggets in 2012 as part of the Nene trade. He made his first playoff appearance that year and then signed a four-year, $44 million deal to remain with the club. While his 2012-13 season was a strong one, his 2013-14 campaign was marred by an injury and he ultimately was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in 2015.
JaVale McGee has since bounced around the NBA, winning two championships with the Golden State Warriors and one last season with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers traded McGee to the Cavs this past offseason.
In 33 games for the Cavs this season, the 33-year-old averaged 8.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in just 15.2 minutes per game. McGee sat out Cleveland's 103-94 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night as trade talks progressed.
The Nuggets are gearing up for another playoff run and wanted a more proven option behind MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. McGee is a solid rim protector and rim-running option who brings championship experience to the table.
Denver is also reportedly chasing after Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon ahead of the NBA trade deadline, with the Boston Celtics also hot in pursuit. Getting McGee is a nice start, but Gordon would be a real prize.
Follow Us
Subscribe