Golden State Warriors Receive: C JaVale McGee
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: G Jordan Poole, F/C Marquese Chriss, TOR 2022 2nd Round Pick
In two seasons with the Warriors a few years back, JaVale McGee only averaged about 9.5 minutes per game, but was a key factor in them winning back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018. McGee stepped up for Golden State in the playoffs on numerous occasions and not only gave them a steady, tough rebounder inside, but someone who understood his role as shot-blocker and tough, interior defender.
James Wiseman has the potential to be a fantastic center in this league for a long time, but after basically not having a college career, Wiseman is still growing as a player and has been susceptible to fouling a lot. With Looney being this team’s only other center and not much of a shot-blocker, the Warriors could really use a guy like McGee who could be a factor defensively.
After acquiring Jarrett Allen and Taurean Prince from the Nets in January, the Cleveland Cavaliers have made Andre Drummond, Kevin Love and JaVale McGee available in trade talks, which is why the Warriors could potentially trade for him at a low price.
Marquese Chriss is out for the year with a broken leg and would likely be a part of this trade for salary relief, but trading Jordan Poole and a second-round pick in 2022 is not much of a loss for the Warriors.
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Poole was drafted 28th overall in 2019, but has not seen much time with Golden State in the NBA. He has spent most of his career in the G-League and has shown some promise to be a solid offensive-minded shooting guard. Clevealnd definitely has room for young talents who can contribute offensively, as they rank last in the league in scoring.
The Warriors could potentially offer someone else like Brad Wanamaker, Damion Lee or Mychal Mulder instead of Jordan Poole, but Poole is likely one of the only small contract guys the Cavaliers would be interested in.
Since he does not really factor into the Warriors immediate plans and since JaVale McGee can make an impact this season, Golden State could be very willing to see this trade through. With that being said, let’s take a closer look as to why this trade makes sense for both the Warriors and Cavaliers.
