Today, according to NBA "whistleblower" Shams Charania, the Dallas Mavericks have used an extension clause to cut center Javill McGee, who has two years left on his team contract and $11.75 million.
McGee, 35, signed a three-year, $17.2 million contract with the Mavericks last season, but the veteran didn't play the role expected. He played only 42 games throughout the season, only 8.5 minutes of playing time, contributing 4.4 points and 2.5 boards, and was almost completely abandoned in the later stages.
The Mavericks have completed their rebuilding after acquiring rookie center Lively and Kings interior backup Holmes this offseason, and McGee Sr. has no chance here, and being cut is almost the only option.
However, it is not difficult to get a veteran base salary in the league with his skills, especially since his old club Los Angeles Lakers still lacks a backup center. The inner line is only thick eyebrows and Jaxon Hayes is obviously not thick enough.
Previously, the Lakers' most likely choice was Christian Wood or last season's Suns backup center Biyombo, but now McGee is a good addition once he enters the free agency market.
McGee played for the Lakers for two years as a starting center in the 18-20 season, contributing 9.4 points, 6.6 boards and 1.7 blocks, and won the NBA championship with the team in the 19-20 season.