After including Jarrett Allen in the four-team blockbuster trade for James Harden, the Brooklyn Nets have faced a need at the center position. One potential option that stands out is JaVale McGee of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the Cavaliers have received trade interest from top contenders for JaVale McGee. The Nets have been a potential destination that has stood out, in particular.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers’ backup center has garnered interest from top contenders, including the Brooklyn Nets who are looking to solidify their interior presence, sources told Yahoo Sports.
Teams who are interested in adding JaVale McGee will need to pursue trade avenues given how he is not going to consider a buyout with the Cavaliers.
“At this juncture, McGee is not entertaining a buyout of what’s remaining of his $4.2 million salary, sources said, so a trade is the foreseeable path toward finding the veteran big man a new home.”
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One factor that stands out is the relationship that Kevin Durant has with McGee from their mutual time together with the Golden State Warriors. That level of familiarity could help to promote
“Brooklyn has its eyes on other bigs who are on the market, but if those options dematerialize, McGee could find himself teaming up once again with Kevin Durant.”
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There is a clear need for the Nets to add an athletic big man with some size and length that can be a threat as a roll man and provide some weak-side defensive help. Blake Griffin doesn’t provide that impact as a small ball option and DeAndre Jordan isn’t the player he once was either.
While it would not make a major difference for the Brooklyn Nets to add JaVale McGee, having a deeper rotation around superstars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden could maximize their title window.