The Golden State Warriors are exploring the possibility of trading 10-year veteran JaVale McGee, according to a report from Marcus Thompson of The Athletic.
The team briefly discussed a trade centered around McGee with the Milwaukee Bucks, who are in the market for frontcourt depth after trading away Greg Monroe last month, according to the report.
“Multiple sources confirmed the Warriors and Milwaukee Bucks have discussed a trade. Nothing is imminent, but the Bucks are on the market for a center and the Warriors are overstocked. The on-and-off conversations between the teams have included the Bucks inquiring about [Zaza] Pachulia and [JaVale] McGee. No doubt, they’ve asked about [Jordan] Bell but that conversation ended quickly.”
McGee, who turns 30 in January, has seen his role as back-up center diminish in recent weeks. The surprising production from first-year player Jordan Bell, along with the team having several other bigs on the roster such as Zaza Pachulia, David West and Kevon Looney has nearly pushed McGee out of the rotation altogether.
In the Warriors’ game against Cleveland this past Monday, McGee didn’t see a single minute of action. He’s averaging a career-low 8.1 minutes per game on the season.
The Bucks have interest in bolstering their frontcourt and are reportedly targeting several big men, including DeAndre Jordan and Marc Gasol. With Mirza Teletovic and Jabari Parker out, the team currently sports a thinned frontcourt line of Giannis Antetokounmpo, John Henson and Thon Maker.
It’s unlikely the team trades for Zaza Pachulia, who played for Milwaukee in 2005 and 2013-15. Pachulia is set to return to the starting lineup for the Warriors this week, while McGee’s role remains entirely questionable.
