It went down to the last minute, but the Sixers have set JaVale McGee free.
Philadelphia, who traded for McGee at the deadline, has reached terms for a buyout with the center, reports Sam Amick of the USA Today.The Philadelphia 76ers have agreed to waive center JaVale McGee in time for him to sign with a playoff team, a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because the decision had not been announced.
Players waived by March 1 can still sign with teams that compete in the postseason, meaning the 27-year-old McGee will likely have a fruitful market when he clears waivers.
The buyout is for the full price, $12 million next season and no discount for the Sixers, Amick reports. The Sixers traded for McGee at the deadline, taking on his salary mostly for the first round pick that came with him. He was not part of their long-term plans.
While McGee is a regular on Shaqtin’ a Fool for mistakes that are the definition of boneheaded, he is an incredibly athletic big man who does show flashes of brilliance. He would be the kind of reserve big man who would be a good bench boost to just about ay contender.
This is a big win for McGee; he gets paid, and he gets to play for the contender of his choosing.