NBA Trade Talk: Can Mavs Find Taker for JaVale McGee?

With a crucial offseason already in motion, the Dallas Mavericks will attempt to put a contending roster around Luka Doncic. DallasBasketball.com analyzes JaVale McGee's future in Dallas.

Nearly a year ago, the Dallas Mavericks were ousted in the Western Conference Finals in five games against the Golden State Warriors. Part of that defeat was due to fatigue and lack serviceable wing depth, but another big part of it was lack of an interior presence as Kevon Looney averaged a double-double and shot over 70 percent from the field in just 28 minutes per game.

The Mavs knew they needed some big-man help heading into the 2022-23 season, so they traded for Christian Wood, then made JaVale McGee their first free-agency signing with a three-year, $17.2 million dollar deal – all guaranteed by the way. The move was immediately seen as a head-scratcher, and it continued to be one as the season progressed. Sure, McGee showed flashes last postseason in a reserve role with the Phoenix Suns, but it was nothing to warrant a three-year deal, especially with a promise from coach Jason Kidd to be the starting center.

However, that promise was quickly broken, as the 35-year-old only lasted seven games as the starter for the Mavs while also failing to make any sort of consistent, positive impact as a rebounder or rim protector. In just 42 games, McGee averaged 4.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game – all career-lows.

Dallas quickly tried to right their wrong by reportedly shopping the veteran center at the trade deadline this season, but failed to find a suitor after McGee had essentially fallen out of Jason Kidd's rotation completely. When it comes to educated guesses, we'd say those trade efforts will continue this offseason.

If the Mavs are able to shed McGee's salary without having to give up draft capital, they will likely do so. Ideally, if they end up trading the 10th pick in this year's NBA Draft, perhaps part of that hypothetical deal can include McGee as filler. But as deep as this year's draft class is, will the Mavs be able to find a suitor for the remaining two years, $11.7 million? We suppose that will depend on how much opposing teams like the remaining prospects available by the time that 10th pick comes around.

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