Knicks a suitor for JaVale McGee in trade with Lakers?

Could JaVale McGee end up with the Knicks? Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks emerge as suitor for JaVale McGee in potential trade with Lakers?

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 11/22/20

The New York Knicks are trying to add some depth to their roster this offseason, and they might have a potential trade partner in the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Knicks are looking to acquire JaVale McGree from the Lakers. There's no word on a potential return for L.A.

The Knicks have emerged as a potential trade partner for the Lakers in a JaVale McGee deal, league sources say, as LA explores its various options

If talks progress, New York would surely require at least one additional asset from the Lakers to take McGee into salary-cap space
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 22, 2020

This news doesn't necessarily come as a surprise with the Lakers reportedly targeting Marc Gasol in free agency. Gasol would be an upgrade from McGee, and the Lakers need to add depth after they lost veteran center Dwight Howard to the Philadelphia 76ers this offseason.

Last season, McGee averaged 6.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. Gasol, on the other hand, averaged 7.5 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game last season with the Raptors.

With the Lakers looking to repeat as NBA champions in 2021, they're trying to upgrade in many different areas. General manager Rob Pelinka already has added Montrezl Harrell, Dennis Schroder and Wesley Matthews...landing Gasol and trading McGee would be the icing on the cake.

However, Gasol has a number of suitors, including the Raptors, who would like to retain him. The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers also are interested, but Gasol has reportedly narrowed his decision to either the Lakers or Raptors.

If Gasol decides to remain with the Raptors, it's unclear if the Lakers would want to part ways with McGee.

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