The Boston Celtics are reportedly closing in on signing big man JaVale McGee on a deal that will keep him with the franchise through to next season.
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Highest paid player on each NBA team: McGee is currently topping the list for Sixers.
McGee was traded by the Denver Nuggets ahead of the deadline last month, and the Sixers opted to release him earlier this week after acquiring a future first-round Draft pick in that deal.
Having been waived prior to the playoff-eligibility deadline, the 27-year-old is free to play in the post-season this year and he hasn’t been short of options with demand high in obtaining his services.
The 7-foot center has averaged just 4.6 points and 2.7 rebounds this season in 23 games as he continued his recovery from a long injury lay-off, but his ability to offer depth in the front-court has attracted interest from around the league.
Both the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat were understood to be interested in McGee, but speculation now suggests that the Celtics have emerged as the favourites to sign him.
Boston are 24-35 so far this season which leaves them in 11th spot in the Eastern Conference. However, such is the weak nature of the conference, they are just two games adrift of the Charlotte Hornets who currently occupy the final playoff spot.
Brad Stevens’ men have started to find form over the last month or so, and McGee would certainly give their frontcourt a boost down the stretch as they look to secure themselves a spot in the post-season.
Philadelphia consented to release him without forcing him to surrender any salary and while he is owed around $3m for this season, he is set to make $12m next year.
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