It’s looking like the Boston Celtics will wind up landing JaVale McGee, after all. According to ESPN,
Various media reports linked the Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptorsand Houston Rockets with having interest in free agent center JaVale McGee since they could use more depth for the run in the 2015 playoffs. Well, McGee has decided to play in green.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, McGee will sign with the Boston Celtics and the deal runs through next season. At his time, the Celtics won’t make the playoffs.
The Celtics currently have a full 15-man roster, so someone like Shavlik Randolph will likely be waived to make room for McGee.
The Celtics can offer McGee more than a veteran minimum contract as there is still some money remaining with the Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception.
McGee will join Kelly Olynyk and Tyler Zeller on the Celtics center depth chart going into next season.
While its hard for a fan base to get excited about a Center who’s best described as “enigmatic”, it’s not like this move is hurting this year’s title run for them. Plus, who knows, the lengthy young gun could finally mature and live up to his potential in Boston. McGee just wanted playing time, the Celtics need a rim protector – this looks like a win, win.
That is, unless McGee goes into that locker room and completely tears it apart (which we’re guessing is why all of the rumored playoff teams ultimately decided to stay away).
To be honest, though, I’m just happy he’s about to be back on the court for some of those infamous highlights.