Not many veteran players have turned down a contract offer from the Golden State Warriors in recent years due to the fact that they’ve won four of the last eight NBA championships. However, this is exactly what JaVale McGee ended up doing at the end of August.
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, McGee ultimately decided to join the Kings this offseason despite the Warriors having interest in the 35-year-old big man. Not too long ago, McGee spent two seasons with Golden State, as he was a member of their 2017 and 2018 championship teams.
Kings head coach Mike Brown was also a member of these championship teams with the Warriors. His relationship with Brown likely played a role in this decision, as did the fact that he could hold a “significant role” in Sacramento, per Amick.
It is certainly no secret that the Warriors have been pursuing depth in their frontcourt with one of their final two roster spots ahead of training camp. McGee would have made a lot of sense for this organization, especially since he is familiar with their style of play.
Always known for being a bruiser in the paint, the veteran center would have instantly provided depth behind Kevon Looney. Not to mention, he’s always been a great rebounding presence on both sides of the floor.
With the Kings, McGee figures to be All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis’ backup. Sacramento struggled to receive production from their frontcourt talents when Sabonis was off the floor last season, which is why they felt the need to bring in an experienced option like McGee.
The Dallas Mavericks originally signed him ahead of the start of the 2022-23 season to a three-year deal, but McGee barely played and fell out of the rotation. As a result, he was waived, and the Mavs will now be responsible for paying him the remaining amount that was on his contract.
After missing out on McGee, the Warriors do not have many other options in terms of adding more frontcourt help. The Warriors did host workouts with Harry Giles III and Juan Toscano-Anderson this offseason, but Giles recently signed a contact with the Brooklyn Nets. Perhaps Golden State will consider former first overall pick Blake Griffin, as the six-time All-Star remains an unrestricted free agent with training camp right around the corner.
Regardless of what roster moves the Warriors make between now and the start of the season, they will enter the new year with the goal of winning another championship on their minds. Stephen Curry and Co. will begin the 2023-24 season at home on Oct. 24 when Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns head to the Bay Area on opening night.