JaVale McGee is averaging 8.0 points and 5.2 rebounds over 33 games this season.
The Denver Nuggets have finalized a deal to acquire center JaVale McGee from the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to multiple reports.
AP source: The Denver Nuggets are bringing back center JaVale McGee in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
by @pgraham34
https://t.co/HTOpstIwQc— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) March 25, 2021
Denver is acquiring center Cleveland center JaVale McGee for Isaiah Hartenstein and two future protected second-round picks, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) March 25, 2021
The Cleveland Cavaliers are finalizing a deal to send JaVale McGee to the Denver Nuggets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021
The Cavaliers reportedly will add center Isaiah Hartenstein and two future protected second-round picks.
> Trade Deadline Buzz: March 25
McGee, who started his career with the Washington Wizards, played for the Nuggets from 2011-15 before stops with the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers and Cleveland.
McGee is averaging 8.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 1.2 bpg in 33 games as a reserve for the Cavs this season. He will join a Nuggets team that’s currently No. 5 in the West with a record of 26-18. In Denver, McGee will be a backup to All-Star big man Nikola Jokic.
A three-time NBA champion with Golden State and Los Angeles, McGee brings plenty of playoff experience to the Nuggets.
McGee has been invaluable to the Cavs this season, serving not only as a backup but mentor to the team’s young core. He also was their “hype man,” leading their pregame huddles and often waving to fans as the Cavs took the floor for warmups.
The 7-footer has been a source of energy and optimism for Cleveland, which started well before going into a slide. Hartenstein has appeared in 30 games for the Nuggets, averaging 3.5 ppg and 2.8 rpg in a reserve role.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.