In a surprising turn of events post-NBA free agency, three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee has found his next professional basketball home, signing a one-year deal with the Illawarra Hawks of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL).
The North American transactional period largely concluded, with many high-profile free agents securing new contracts. While a few restricted free agents like Quentin Grimes and Josh Giddey, along with seasoned veterans such as Russell Westbrook and Al Horford, remain available, the landscape of NBA rosters is mostly settled for the upcoming season.
Closer to home, the Dallas Mavericks executed a pivotal offseason move by signing D’Angelo Russell to a multi-year agreement, reportedly to serve as a strategic ‘hold-in’ for Kyrie Irving, who is currently recuperating from an ACL injury. The franchise also solidified its roster by extending Daniel Gafford’s contract and reaching an accord to bring back Dante Exum, although that deal awaits official signing.
However, it is a former Dallas Maverick who has captured recent attention with his international commitment. JaVale McGee, renowned for his championship pedigree, first donned the Mavericks’ jersey during the 2015-16 season. Despite a brief 34-game tenure, his career trajectory soared thereafter, transforming him into a crucial rotational piece for two Golden State Warriors championship squads and contributing significantly to the Los Angeles Lakers’ title run in 2020.
McGee’s return to Dallas for the 2022-23 season, however, proved to be a vastly different narrative. Mavericks General Manager Nico Harrison orchestrated a three-year, $17 million contract that quickly became a regrettable investment. His on-court production was notably subpar, averaging only 4.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per contest during his single season back with the team, failing to meet expectations for a player of his experience and prior accomplishments.
Consequently, the Dallas Mavericks opted to waive McGee after just one season, employing the ‘stretch provision’ on his contract. This financial maneuver, while alleviating immediate cap space, extends the salary cap hit over a longer period. Despite no longer being on the active roster for two years, the team continues to bear the financial burden of his previous deal.
This strategic decision means the Dallas Mavericks will still incur a charge of approximately $2.2 million annually on their salary cap for the next three seasons, a sum equivalent to a minimum contract. Such a lingering financial commitment, even for a departed basketball player, can limit a team’s flexibility in future free agency periods or trade discussions, underscoring the long-term ramifications of past contractual agreements.
McGee’s move to the Illawarra Hawks marks a new chapter in his decorated career, offering him an opportunity for consistent playing time and a leadership role in a prominent international league. For the Hawks, acquiring a three-time NBA champion brings invaluable experience and a notable presence to their roster, promising an exciting season for NBL fans and a fresh start for JaVale McGee.
