Free agent center JaVale McGee is signing with the Kings, according to NBA on TNT and Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes. The Mavericks officially waived McGee on Monday and now he’s set to join another Western Conference contender.
McGee, 35, signed with Dallas last year on a three-year, $17M deal and opened the year as a starter, but quickly fell out of the rotation altogether. In all, McGee averaged 4.4 points and 2.5 rebounds in 42 games (career-low 8.5 minutes) with the Mavericks. Once it was clear McGee was no longer in the team’s future plans, Dallas cut him loose this offseason and is stretching his remaining salary over the next five years for roughly $2.35M through 2027-28.
The Kings are hoping McGee, a three-time champion, has enough left in the tank to help contribute for their team that ended a 16-season playoff drought last year. McGee is just one season removed from averaging 9.2 points and 6.7 rebounds for the Suns in 2021-22, where he played in 74 games and made 17 starts.
Sacramento’s interest was reported shortly after his waiver from Dallas.
It’s unclear what kind of deal McGee is signing, but it likely isn’t for more than a minimum contract which may not be fully guaranteed, if at all. Sacramento’s roster is stacked with backup centers with McGee’s signing. Nerlens Noel, Neemias Queta, Alex Len and Skal Labissiere (reported) are likely to compete with McGee for minutes and/or a roster spot. Queta and Noel are in more direct competition with McGee for a roster spot. Len’s roster spot appears safe and Labissiere is joining on a training camp deal with the goal of him playing for the Stockton Kings next year. Meanwhile, Noel has a $300K partial guarantee and Queta has a $250K partial guarantee.
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