The Philadelphia 76ers have decided to waive center JaVale McGee. The 76ers traded with Denver for McGee at the trade deadline on February 19. McGee had a choice. He could have accepted a buyout. He didn’t want a buyout because he didn’t want to lose any money on his contract. .
The Denver Nuggets acquired McGee on March 15, 2012, in a deal that sent Nene to the Wizards. In 20 games with the Nuggets that year he averaged 1.6 blocks, 5.8 rebounds, and 10.3 points per game. In the 2012-2013 season, he was better on the defensive end with 2.3 blocks per game. The 2013-2014 was a season to forget. McGee only played in five games. The Nuggets shut him down on February 20, 2014, when he had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left tibia. This year with the Nuggets he appeared in 17 games.
McGee hardly had a chance with the 76ers, playing in 6 games averaging 10.2 minutes. This wasn’t enough playing time to decide if he was worthy to keep. In those ten minutes he scored three points per game. Philadelphia saves $11.25 million this year and $12 million next year. This was a cost saving move by the 76ers.
This is the same reason Denver shipped him out. He is a high-quality player when he is on the court but lately he hardly ever receives playing time. $12 million is too much money to spend for a center that barely plays. This was the right move for Philadelphia.
McGee is now looking for a team to sign with that is in the playoff hunt. When healthy, he is an excellent shot blocker, plays solid defense, and will assist a team in the playoffs coming off the bench. Whoever signs him also receives a player who plays with energy. The only question is how healthy is he and why hasn’t he had time on the court? Look for him to sign with a team that needs a shot blocker.
Which team in the playoff hunt will sign JaVale McGee?
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