2021 NBA Trade Deadline: 5 big men teams should target

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 27: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic between plays against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second quarter at Amway Center on December 27, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. 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 Harry Aaron/Getty Images) /

3 of 6

NBA Trade Deadline Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images /

4. JaVale McGee

The fact that JaVale McGee makes this kind of list every year is a testament to how valuable he’s become around the league. The place he may be most valuable, however, is a place with some familiarity.

McGee is currently languishing along with Andre Drummond on the Cleveland Cavaliers, but he’s playing well in limited minutes. The veteran big man is averaging 7.5 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, despite playing in less than 16.0 minutes per contest. That looks like 17.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per 36 minutes.

His best asset is his ability to block shots, something he can still do with his playing time. McGee’s block percentage is at 7.3 percent this year, directly in line with his rate over recent years. If McGee qualified, his block percentage would rank fourth in the NBA, ahead of Rudy Gobert.

The Cavs acquired McGee and a pick from the Los Angeles Lakers before the season. He has a $4.2 cap hit and there’s a chance he gets bought out if Cleveland can’t find a suitable trade offer in the next two weeks.

They might find a suitable trade partner in the Lakers, though, and those rumors of a reunion are already running rampant. McGee isn’t as good as Montrezl Harrell, but he provides another option, especially as Marc Gasol continues his slide.

Home/Atlanta Hawks