Nets: 3 players Brooklyn should target after Iman Shumpert signing

2. JaVale McGee

The Cavaliers have another option for the Nets if Drummond doesn’t work out.

The next option comes from the trade market in the form of JaVale McGee. With the Cavs trading for Jarrett Allen, McGee has now become the third center in the rotation. Since the Cavs acquired Allen. McGee has only appeared in two games in which they experimented playing Allen and Drummond together.

That happened last week, but hasn’t since and doesn’t look like it will again. With McGee being the third center and receiving almost no playing time while taking up a roster spot, the Nets have reportedly (and rightfully) contemplated the idea of trading for McGee.

The three-time NBA champion would be a really good interior defense presence as he was with the Warriors and Lakers when they both won championships. His job will be to block shots and catch lobs. Basically what DeAndre Jordan’s job is, but he would execute it much better. The 33-year-old still has something in the tank and would cost next to nothing in a trade. Since Cleveland should have no problem moving him if they don’t plan parting with Drummon, I don’t see this taking more than a second-round pick.

McGee can get 15-20 minutes a game and be a good presence in the paint for Brooklyn. He is certainly a better option than Reggie Perry at the moment. With McGee on the roster, the Nets would have someone who can be gritty in the paint with bigs while also being mobile enough to move out to the 3-point line if he’s playing against a shooter like a Myles Turner. This would be a great buy-low get for Brooklyn.