[ad_1]
CLEVELAND – The Cavaliers have found a temporary replacement for Tristan Thompson or an asset to bring in other talents.
Cleveland announced on Monday (Manila time) that it acquired center JaVale McGee and a 2026 second-round draft pick from the Los Angeles Lakers by forwards Alfonzo McKinnie and Jordan Bell. The teams agreed to the deal Sunday but needed league approval before finalizing it.
In addition, the team has reached an agreement with free agent point guard Matthew Dellavedova, one of the Cavs’ most popular players.
McGee gives the Cavaliers a proven front-line player who can protect the rim and give starting center Andre Drummond a breather. McGee, 30, also has an expiring contract, making him attractive to teams looking to create a cap space.
The Lakers needed to move McGee to make room for free agent center Marc Gasol.
Thompson left the Cavs last week and agreed to a two-year free agent contract with the Boston Celtics, one of the teams he faced for nine productive seasons with Cleveland.
The Cavaliers weren’t expected to hang on to Thompson, and his departure further separates the organization from its streak of four NBA Finals in four years (2015-18).
Continue reading below ↓
Recommended Videos
The 7-footer McGee averaged 6.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks last season while helping the Lakers win a championship. During his career he has averaged 7.9 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Dellavedova has been a solid contributor for two seasons with Cleveland. The ever-active Australian known affectionately as “Delly” by his teammates and fans spent three seasons with the Cavs before signing as a free agent with Milwaukee in 2016.
He returned on a trade to Cleveland two years later. The Cavaliers value their leadership and mentorship from young guards Collin Sexton and Darius Garland.
MORE OF SPIN
