Centers Marc Gasol and Javale Mcgee might wear different uniforms next season as they are reported to be on the move. According to Chris Mannix of The Vertical, the Boston Celtics are eyeing Gasol via trade with the Memphis Grizzlies. Mannix said the Celtics may acquire the Spanish center with a "ready-made rebuilding package of players and picks."
The Celtics recently reached an agreement with All-Star small forward Gordon Hayward, who is expected to sign a four-year, $128 million contract with Boston after a seven-year stint with the Utah Jazz.
JaVale McGee to Clippers?
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, McGee, a free-agent, was scheduled to meet with the Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday. In addition, Wojnarowski said the backup center remains engaged in talks with the Golden State Warriors. The 29-year-old McGee revived his career with the Golden State Warriors last season, averaging 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in just 9.6 minutes per contest and shooting a career-high 65.2 percent from the floor.
In a previous interview after winning his first championship ring, McGee expressed his desire to stay with the Warriors, saying “this is the best situation I've ever been and I love it here”. However, McGee said he also has to make the best decision for his family’s future.
Last season, he signed a one-year, $1.4 million deal with the Warriors. Before joining Golden State, he saw action with the Dallas Mavericks in 2015-16, averaging 5.1 points and 3.9 rebounds.
Celtics now one of best NBA teams
If the Celtics get Gasol, they will own one of the most formidable lineups in the East, featuring Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Al Horford and Hayward with Jae Crowder, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and 2017 first-round pick Jayson Tatum as reserves.
Last season, the 33-year-old Gasol averaged 19.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 blocks in 74 games. He also added a three-point shot to his arsenal, making an average 1.4 three-pointers per game.
Reports about a possible Gasol move came one day after his frontcourt partner with the Grizzlies, forward Zach Randolph, agreed to a two-year, $24 million deal with the Sacramento Kings.
Over their partnership in Memphis, Gasol and Randolph developed a deep bond, with the Spanish center saying “we're always there for each other" in a previous interview. Gasol said he and Randolph always talked about family and basketball and listen to each other’s concern.
