Could Golden State Warriors reunite with 3x NBA champion?

With two eligible roster spots still remaining for next season, the Golden State Warriors appear happy to patiently wait for further additions in the hope an asset may become available from the wreckage of other moves.

One of the options that could become available is former Warrior Javale McGee, with the three-time NBA champion unlikely to be with the Dallas Mavericks despite having two years remaining on his contract.

Javale McGee could help address the Golden State Warriors’ need for a backup big behind starting center Kevon Looney.

The 35-year-old’s role deteriorated the longer the season went in his first year with Dallas, left out of Jason Kidd’s rotation for long periods and ultimately averaging just over eight minutes across 42 games.

Joining the Howdy Partners Podcast with ESPN’s Tim McMahon recently, former director of basketball development at the Mavericks, Brian Dameris, revealed McGee’s time with the franchise is nearing its end.

"“JaVale’s not in the Mavericks plans. He won’t be on the roster to start the season. He’s either gonna be included in a trade or stretch-and-waived.”"

McGee is no stranger to the Golden State system, having played two seasons with the franchise between 2016 and 2018. Not only did he and the Warriors achieve the ultimate success in each of those seasons, but for McGee it completely changed his narrative from Shaqtin’ a Fool legend to valuable championship piece.

That proved the case again in 2020 when he won a third title with the Los Angeles Lakers, with McGee starting 11 of his team’s 14 playoff games. Only two seasons ago he averaged nearly 16 minutes per game for the Phoenix Suns, putting up 9.2 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.

Now 15 years into his career and coming off a disappointing season with the Mavericks, there’s genuine question marks on what McGee can provide on an NBA floor. What better way to revitalise his career one more time than at the Warriors again, playing alongside Chris Paul in a pick-and-roll combination that’s had previous experience in Phoenix.

Golden State would need McGee to officially be waived in order to obtain him, with a trade for the seven-footer possible but extremely unlikely. The franchise are likely to wait before committing to a player with the 14th roster spot, and are expected to leave the 15th position completely open heading into next season.