5 teams that should pursue JaVale McGee in 2021 NBA Free Agency

#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.