NBA Free Agency: 3 possible summer destinations for JaVale McGee

After LeBron James completed his move to the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, the 34-year-old superstar immediately instructed the franchise to sign JaVale McGee. Despite being widely ridiculed thanks to his frequent appearances on Shaqtin A Fool, McGee had played an important role in the Golden State Warriors' back to back Championship wins, including starting the final three games of the 2018 NBA Finals.

James' campaign was successful, as just days into free agency, McGee signed a one-year deal for the veteran's minimum. While McGee's arrival was met with a collective sigh from the Lakers fanbase, the 31-year-old quickly established himself as one of Luke Walton's best performers, and during the early part of the season, the center struck up a notable partnership with James.

Nevertheless, McGee has been extremely poor since returning from a respiratory infection back in January, and the veteran recently lost his place in the starting lineup. With the Lakers likely to pursue Anthony Davis in the summer, the center's future in Los Angeles is in serious doubt, and here we will look at three potential summer destinations for McGee.

#3 Washington Wizards

McGee started his NBA career in Washington more than a decade ago after being selected 18th overall by the Wizards. The Michigan native was a regular starter during his four years with the franchise, although McGee never fulfilled his potential in a Wizards jersey, and he was eventually traded to the Denver Nuggets.

Since leaving Washington in 2012, McGee has successfully established himself as an effective big man, and with Dwight Howard's future with the Wizards currently in serious doubt, McGee could be a much cheaper alternative option. The franchise is reportedly looking at somewhat of a rebuild this summer, although, alongside the likes of Bradley Beal, it is not a stretch to say that McGee could help the team challenge for one of the final Eastern Conference playoff spots.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder

Nerlens Noel looks likely to move on from the Oklahoma City Thunder this summer

Up until the current campaign, the Oklahoma City Thunder had long term issues in relation to depth at the center position. As recently as last season, the Thunder's only senior backup big was Nick Collison, who at the age of 36, rarely played more than ten minutes per game. This meant that Jerami Grant had to fill in at center for much of the season, and despite the 24-year-old's efforts, it was evident the Thunder needed a specialist backup center.

That player landed in the form of Nerlens Noel last summer, and the 24-year-old has been excellent during his limited minutes from the bench. Nevertheless, Noel can opt out of his contract in the summer, and the big will be looking to join a team where he is a starter. This will leave the Thunder looking for a backup once again, and McGee's experience and production make him a viable candidate to join Billy Donovan's side.

#1 Golden State Warriors

McGee during his time with the Golden State Warriors

Before his move to the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, McGee had stated his desire to remain with the Golden State Warriors for the rest of his career. Ultimately, McGee moved teams just a few days after making these remarks, although much of this was due to the veteran's desire to play alongside LeBron James.

Despite leaving the Warriors last summer, McGee continues to enjoy a good relationship with his former teammates, and this was on show earlier this year when the 31-year-old collected his Championship ring at Oracle Arena.

Upon the expiration of his Lakers deal this summer, McGee is likely to be once again available on a veterans deal, and with the Warriors already well into the luxury tax, McGee is the sort of player that the Warriors will be targeting. Steve Kerr has also made it clear that DeMarcus Cousins will be leaving the team this summer for financial reasons, and this ultimately leaves the door open for McGee's return.