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Three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee recently made headlines for being introduced as one of the replacements for Kevin Love in the US men's Olympic team roster. It's a great opportunity for him to showcase his potential and prove that he can be an invaluable addition to a title-contending team.
JaVale McGee couldn't do that in the 2020-21 NBA season as he started with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a rebuilding team. He was later traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he did not receive enough playing time, with league MVP Nikola Jokic playing as a starting center.
McGee is now set to enter free agency as an unrestricted free agent. He is an under-the-radar option for multiple teams looking to add a quality center this summer. He averaged 7.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in only 14.7 minutes of playing time per game last season.
It is a clear indication that if he was given more playing time, his numbers could have looked a lot different. On that note, let's take a look at the five teams that should pursue JaVale McGee in the 2021 NBA Free Agency.
#5 Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are looking to end their 15-year-long playoff drought next summer. However, they face huge challenges in keeping one of their core pieces, Richaun Holmes, in their roster for next season. That's because Holmes is an unrestricted free agent in the off-season and is looking for around $80 million per year on a four-year deal.
With many teams showing interest in Holmes, it's looking unlikely for the Kings to retain him, especially if he is offered the kind of sum he is looking for. If he does end up taking his talents elsewhere, the Sacramento Kings will have a gaping hole to fill at five.
Among the big men available in the market, JaVale McGee appears to be a much cheaper option to sign for the Kings. He will likely be on a minimum contract. His championship experience could help them get to the next level and he could be a leader in the locker room and guide the young crew to the postseason.
The Kings finished as the worst defensive unit (as per defensive ratings) in the 2020-21 NBA season. So a veteran defensive beast like JaVale McGee could help them make major improvements in that area.
#4 Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are another team looking to add a center to increase their frontcourt depth this summer. Not having a highly efficient big man who could deliver consistently at the five was one of the key reasons why they failed to make the 2021 playoffs.
The Raptors have a significant amount of cap space available but ideally should look to be wise about spending in free agency on a center. JaVale McGee could be an intriguing option for them if they are looking to go economical with their budget while building their roster in the potential post-Kyle Lowry era.
Most of their squad is young in terms of experience in the NBA, so McGee could provide veteran leadership to the team along with his two-way abilities. McGee is a team player and would happily accept a starting or bench role depending on the team's needs.
#3 Dallas Mavericks
This year, the Dallas Mavericks endured a second consecutive first-round elimination from the playoffs. They are looking to make major roster changes, and one area they will look to improve on is their defense, which was very shaky last season and was one of the key reasons behind their early exit in the playoffs.
Regardless of whether Kristaps Porzingis stays or not, the Mavericks will need to upgrade their center position this summer. They were ranked 21st, as per the league's defensive ratings, and rebounds per game in the 2020-21 season. Both areas need to be worked on, and the answer to that would be to make a quality signing to play at the five.
The Mavericks also need to add a ball-handler and multiple sharpshooters this season, so most of their cap space is likely to be used for that. Signing a player like JaVale McGee could help them in that regard, as he would likely be on a minimum contract.
McGee's athleticism and ability to communicate with his teammates could prove to be crucial for the Mavericks next season.
#2 LA Lakers
The LA Lakers were rumored to be looking to reunite with JaVale McGee mid-season in the 2020-21 NBA campaign. The deal never materialized, though, as they opted to sign Andre Drummond instead. The Lakers won the championship in 2020, with McGee as their starting center for most of the season. He was key in helping them become one of the best defensive teams in the league.
The Lakers, however, failed to replace McGee last season, as neither Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrell or Andre Drummond could provide the kind of rim protection McGee provided. The Purple and Gold do not have enough cap space and can only sign players on minimum contracts or via sign-and-trades.
With only seven players on the roster for next season and a lack of draft capital to use in trades, the Lakers will need to be crafty with how they approach the off-season. JaVale McGee had a successful and enjoyable tenure there and was a great fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He should be a cheap option for LA in free agency, allowing them to use most of their cap space for other positions.
#1 Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets were also one of the championship aspirants looking to scoop up JaVale McGee mid-season last campaign. They can now look to re-ignite their interest in him. The Nets desperately need efficient rebounders and interior defense to become a better all-around team.
One of the key reasons behind their loss against the Milwaukee Bucks was their weak defense and lack of rebounders. They are also looking to move DeAndre Jordan's contract, which leaves Nicolas Claxton as the only traditional center in the team.
The Nets are also strangled for cap space, which makes a move for JaVale McGee a very sensible proposition. McGee doesn't need the ball in his hands to make things happen, which is a bonus the Nets would get with him.
