Heading into the final stretch of the regular season, the Golden State Warriors continue to hold their lead over the Western Conference. While the Warriors decided to stand pat during the trade deadline, the team is still actively trying to improve the roster and have reported interest in shoring up their frontcourt.
According to Chris Broussard of ESPN, the Warriors have interest in signing JaVale McGee who was waived by Philadelphia.
Source: Golden State has major interest in signing JaVale McGee. He's viewed as potential insurance for Andrew Bogut
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) March 3, 2015
A reliable back-up big man has sat atop the Warriors' wish list for a while. Andrew Bogut has had trouble staying healthy throughout the years. With that in mind, Golden State may be skeptical about having Festus Ezeli and Ognjen Kuzmic shouldering the load should Bogut be unable to go in the postseason.
McGee is an intriguing option. He's long, athletic, runs the floor, rebounds and blocks shots. He's been in the playoffs and with the right mentality, he can create havoc on both ends. The knock on McGee has always been his judgement and maturity. Would Golden State's locker room be able to deal with McGee's antics?
Marc Stein of ESPN reported that McGee may not rush his decision as there appears to be a long list of suitors lining up for his services.
After securing release from Philly without surrendering a cent, JaVale clears waivers WEDS. Early sense is he won't rush choice on next team
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) March 3, 2015
Mavs and Heat are two known teams interested in JaVale McGee but sense is there are more. McGee due to clear waivers at 5 PM Wednesday
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) March 3, 2015
Also hearing you can add Toronto to the list of teams weighing whether to make a play for JaVale McGee, who clears waivers today at 5 PM
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) March 4, 2015
Golden State currently has a 15-man roster and would need to drop a player to make room for McGee. The earliest signs point to Leandro Barbosa or Brandon Rush as potential candidates. Barbosa has been integrated in and out of the rotation while Rush has played sparse minutes and mostly garbage time for most of the season.
Sacrificing a minor backcourt piece for much needed frontcourt depth is a small price to pay. With the Warriors looking to make a deep postseason run, it would make sense to pursue JaVale McGee.