Brooklyn Nets: Pass or pursue on three rumored trade targets

Should the Brooklyn Nets pass or pursue rumored trade target JaVale McGee?

Along with the aforementioned Andre Drummond, the Brooklyn Nets are reportedly eyeing JaVale McGee, another big man from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Jason Dumas of KRON 4 News in San Francisco reported last month that the Nets are expected to make a run at the veteran big man before the March 25th trade deadline.

McGee has also been on the trade block since the Cavaliers acquired Jarrett Allen, and the Nets make sense as a potential destination. The Nets need that towering presence in the post, and unlike Drummond and his hefty $28.7 million salary, McGee is much more affordable, making $4.2 million this season.

The big man would certainly be a feasible option to help alleviate some of the Nets’ defensive issues down low. McGee also has ties to Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant, as the two played together with the Golden State Warriors, winning two championships together in the process.

That familiarity prompted Yahoo! Sports’ Chris Haynes to ask JaVale about the trade speculation involving him and the Nets on a recent episode of his Posted Up podcast:

"“I guess they take my time in Golden State and just plug me in there also because they’re like, ‘He thrived when he was in Golden State, so he definitely will thrive if he was over there in Brooklyn. But hey, man, I’m just trying to go day by day and make sure I stay focused and focused on myself. If a team comes and gets me, then it is what it is.”"

McGee hears the rumors, and taking his talents to Brooklyn to compete for another NBA championship alongside Kevin Durant and company has to sound compelling. It should be a mutual desire for the Nets, meaning they should make a run at the big man before the deadline.

The Verdict: Pursue