The Toronto Raptors reportedly are considering whether to pursue free agent JaVale McGee. The Chicago Bulls have also been linked to McGee, whom Philadelphia bought out just before the March 1 deadline passed.
McGee's history of injuries and his overpriced contract made the Denver Nuggets willing to give up a protected first-round pick to Philadelphia on Feb. 19. The 76ers were then willing pay out McGee's contract - the remainder of his $11.25 million for this season and his $12 million for next season - in full rather than keep him around. Despite those seemingly telling signs, McGee may not be unemployed for long.
"Also hearing you can add Toronto to the list of teams weighing whether to make a play for JaVale McGee, who clears waivers today at 5 PM," ESPN's Marc Stein tweeted Wednesday.
If Toronto were to add McGee, it'd likely be just to bolster their frontcourt depth ahead of the playoffs. McGee isn't a defensive anchor, but his size - 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-6 wingspan - and agility make him a disruptive shot blocker in the paint.
The Bulls might also be interested in McGee, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
"Bulls kicking the tires on JaVale McGee? We can only pray for that," the Sun-Times tweeted Tuesday.
McGee has played in only 23 games this season, largely because of illnesses and injuries, and is averaging 4.6 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in just over 10 minutes per game.
