Javale McGee was one of more than 30 players who got moved during the trade deadline mid-February.
The 7'0 center was traded by Denver Nuggets to Philadelphia 76ers along with Chukwudiebere Maduabum and a 2015 first-round pick in exchange for the rights to Cenk Akyol. More than two weeks after, Javale McGee finds himself without a team.
On March 1, 27-year-old JaVale McGee was waived by the Sixers where he played only a few number of games. With this move, he now has a chance to sign with a team that has the chance of making it to the playoffs. While signing with a contender, or at least playoff team, is the logical thing to do, it seems that is not what's on JaVale's mind. League sources said the 2008 18th overall draft pick is more likely to sign with the Boston Celtics who is currently in 11th place in the Eastern Conference.
“Boston Celtics close to signing enigmatic big man JaVale McGee, multiple sources told ESPN. Deal with be through next season” - Jeff Goodman of ESPN wrote on Twitter.
Boston Celtics close to signing enigmatic big man JaVale McGee, multiple sources told ESPN. Deal with be through next season.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) March 5, 2015
Goodman later tweeted that the deal between the two parties fall off.
McGee took visit to Boston and the two sides thought deal was going to be done. But sticking point was next year and who held the option. — Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) March 5, 2015
Celtics deal w/ JaVale McGee has fallen through, sources told ESPN. Celtics wanted team option for next season, McGee wanted player option. — Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) March 5, 2015
Before the news about JaVale McGee and Boston Celtics, several playoff teams reportedly shown interest on the services of the enigmatic center. Among these are Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat.
