It sounds like the Philadelphia 76ers have soured on JaVale McGee fast — days after McGee himself said he wanted to be a mentor.
JaVale McGee's mentoring program in Philadelphia never really had a chance. Sixers reportedly discussing a buyout.
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) March 1, 2015
ESPN’s Marc Stein provided more insights on McGee’s change of heart.
Sources told ESPN.com that McGee, after initially saying upon being dealt to the Sixers that he did not want a buyout, has his representatives on the hunt for a team interested in signing the 7-footer once he clears waivers before signing off on a buyout.
McGee would have to be waived by Philadelphia by midnight Sunday to be eligible to play in the 2015 playoffs with another team. But his willingness to surrender salary — with a guaranteed $12 million scheduled to come his way next season as well as the rest of this season’s $11.25 million — will almost certainly depend on what sort of deal can be had with a new team once the 27-year-old becomes a free agent.
If no offers materialize before midnight Sunday, McGee could be forced to finish out the season with the Sixers, who would then be expected to try to trade him as he moves into the final year of his contract.
“There are (ongoing) discussions,” one source said of the buyout possibilities.