NBA Rumors: Golden State Warriors looking to trade JaVale McGee
What's the story?
The Golden State Warriors are in trade talks with the Milwaukee Bucks for backup center JaVale McGee.
In case you didn't know...
JaVale McGee appeared in 77 games for the Warriors and was a crucial part of SteveKerr’s rotation last season. He provided some much-needed energy and spark coming off the bench and had an instant impact on the game. He averaged an efficient 23 points and 11.6 rebounds per 36 minutes and shot 73.2 percent from the field in the Playoffs to help the Warriors bring home another title.
The heart of the matter...
After failing to play even a single minute in Monday’s Christmas Day win against the Cleveland Cavaliers, JaVale McGee is reported to be in trade talks with the Milwaukee Bucks. According to Marcus Thompson of The Athletic, the Warriors have discussed a deal with the Milwaukee Bucks for the reserve center. The Bucks further inquired about Zaza Pachulia and rookie Jordan Bell, but Warriors told that Bell is unavailable.
The emergence of the rookie Jordan Bell has diminished the number of minutes McGee gets. In 28 games this season, he averages 3.7 points and 1.9 rebounds but he hasn't reached double-digit points in more than a month.
On the other hand, Bell has started 9 games in the absence of starting center Pachulia and has filled up the stat sheet this season. According to Anthony Slater of The Athletic, Bell was preferred over a healthy Pachulia on Monday against the Cavaliers.
Head Coach Steve Kerr has said that Pachulia will be starting on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz while will remain a key part of the rotation.
What's next?
The Warriors (27-7) after the Christmas Day game win against the Cavaliers will host the Utah Jazz (15-19) on Wednesday.
Author's take
The Milwaukee Bucks are amongst the worst rebounding teams in the NBA right now and therefore the addition of McGee will improve their rebounding while adding significant depth to their roster.