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Detroit Pistons meet with veteran center JaVale McGee

By Martin Mansour

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 27: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on in the first half of a NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 27, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - MARCH 27: JaVale McGee #7 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on in the first half of a NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 27, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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After signing Derrick Rose to a 2 year 15 million dollar deal, the Detroit Pistons meet with veteran center JaVale McGee for a roster spot.

The Detroit Pistons had a successful first day of free agency. They wasted no time and agreed on a deal with former MVP Derrick Rose to a 2 year 15 million dollar deal. They were able to get the deal done within the first few minutes of free agency.

Derrick Rose’s deal means the Pistons did not have much left in their mid-level exception worth 9.2 million dollars. With 7.5 million gone, the Pistons went ahead and signed a third string point guard. They went ahead and signed Tim Frazier to a 1 year veteran minimum contract.

His deal combined with Rose’s deal was just enough to use up the entirety of the mid-level exception. That leaves the Pistons with only the bi-annual exception to work with.

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The Pistons’ bi-annual exception is worth 3.6 million dollars. With no backup center on the current roster, the Pistons decided that they should look into using that money on a backup for Andre Drummond.

The Pistons scheduled a meeting with veteran center JaVale McGee. McGee spent the first three and a half seasons with the Washington Wizards. That’s where he would have his best opportunity in his career. With the Wizards he averaged 8.5 points per game, 6 rebounds, and an impressive 1.8 blocks in 21.5 minutes a night.

But he would only be traded to the Denver Nuggets. With the Nuggets, McGee would post similar numbers to what he did in Denver. But inconsistent playtime eventually led him to being traded to the Sixers.

From the Sixers he would find a home in Dallas for one season until finally finding a home with the Golden State Warriors for consecutive seasons. JaVale was a part of the Golden State Warriors rotation. And he would help by starting 27 total games for the Warriors. With the Warriors, McGee was able to win two NBA Championships.

But the Warriors would have no room for him after signing DeMarcus Cousins in the off-season. So he decided to team up and join the Lakers with the best player in the world; LeBron James.

McGee would have a career year with the Lakers. Starting for 62 of the games, McGee averaged a career high 12 points per game, 7.5 rebounds, and 2 blocks.

But now, McGee is looking to explore his options. With the Lakers potentially being in the race for Kawhi Leonard, McGee is meeting with other teams. And most recently he met with the Detroit Pistons.

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Pistons could use McGee’s athleticism and defensive ability behind Andre Drummond. Zaza Pachulia was an absolute mess for the Pistons and they are trying to avoid that.