Free-agent center Javale Mcgee is reportedly unhappy with the Golden State Warriors and might sign elsewhere. According to Marcus Thompson II of The Mercury News, McGee is dejected with the Warriors’ move this offseason, which saw them signing center Zaza Pachulia to a $3.5 million deal.
Thompson said McGee is mad at the Warriors for not giving him a shot at the starting center spot and for giving the full $5.2 million mid-level extension to Nick Young, a shooting guard who recently joined Golden State. The Warriors want McGee back but can only sign him to a veteran’s minimum deal worth $2.3 million.
In the recent Warriors Plus/Minus podcast, general manager Bob Myers admitted that they “don’t have any money for centers”. Superstar Kevin Durant signed a contract $9 million below the maximum salary level so the Warriors can keep sixth man Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston and backup power forward David West.
McGee met with Clippers, Kings
McGee expressed willingness to return to the Warriors but with this latest development, expect him to join his sixth NBA team next season. Recently, McGee met with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Sacramento Kings. If McGee eventually moves to another team, the Warriors may choose among Kevon Looney, Damon Jones and rookie Jordan Bell as McGee’s replacement.
Earlier, Raul Barrigon of Hoopshype.com reported that McGee acknowledged that the Warriors jumpstarted his career after playing just 34 games with the Dallas Mavericks two seasons ago. With his performance, McGee said he’s in the best situation that he ever had in his career but he will base his next move for his family’s future.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr understood that as a free agent, McGee is exploring all possible options presented to him but added that Golden State has the 15th and last spot for the center if he decides to return for another title run. Last season, the 29-year-old McGee averaged 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in 77 regular-season games.
From laughing stock to NBA champion
The 7-foot McGee was taken 18th overall by the Washington Wizards in 2008. He played for Washington for 3 ½ years before moving to the Denver Nuggets. During his stint with the Nuggets, McGee was a two-time MVP in former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal’s segment Shaqtin’ A Fool, described by TNT as the show that celebrates basketball foolishness. Recently, a fed up McGee feuded with O’Neal online while the Warriors asked TNT to stop the retired center from destroying their player’s credibility.
