Wizards should consider bringing this veteran big man back to Washington

As the teams around the NBA are trying to finalize their rosters, a lot of established players emerge on the trade block. One such name is familiar to Washington Wizards fans: JaVale McGee.

The 35-year-old center who spent the last year with the Dallas Mavericks is expected to be moved this offseason. According to Tim Cato of the Athletic, McGee not being in Dallas to begin the next season is a certainty, either through a trade or a stretch. This could be an opportunity for the Washington Wizards, not only to add to their frontcourt depth but also to receive additional draft compensation to take on McGee’s contract.

Javale Mcgee is due $5.7 million for the 2023-24 season with a player option due $6 million for the year after. Considering his underperformance last season with Dallas and his age, he is likely to pick up that option.

The Mavericks who are in a financial crunch do not want to pay almost $6 million for a player who is not going to be a part of their rotation. And they will most likely be willing to offer draft assets to get out of that contract and reduce their tax bill.

The Wizards who have cap space can just take on McGee and absorb his contract. To make it worth their while, Dallas would presumably attach a second-round pick or two. This would make it a great deal for Washington.

McGee knows the organization well as he was the Wizards’ 18th overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and spent the first 3.5 seasons of his career in Washington. After he departed from DC, McGee went on to win three championships, two with the Warriors and one with the Lakers, playing a rotation role as an athletic, rim-running interior presence.

His championship experience and veteran leadership could be valuable to the young Wizards. He can be a mentor to young centers like Daniel Gafford and Tristan Vukcevic while being the team’s third center option, playing spot minutes as needed.

Although unlikely, McGee could even be a potential trade asset later if he can prove that he still has some gas left in the tank. Even if not, bringing this former Wizard makes sense for where the franchise is right now.