Cavs trade center Javale McGee to Denver

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) - The Cavs kicked off NBA trade deadline day with a minor deal, sending backup center Javale McGee to Denver for center Isaiah Hartenstein and two second-round picks.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are finalizing a deal to send JaVale McGee to the Denver Nuggets, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 25, 2021

The deal also gets Cleveland $6.3 million under the NBA luxury tax.

MdGee, 33, averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds per game for the Cavs. He joined Cleveland in the offseason after winning a title with the Lakers.

This will be McGee’s second stint with the Nuggets, the first was 2011-14.

10 years ago today, @JaValeMcGee blocked 12 shots with 12 rebounds & 10 points.

Here's a compilation of some of his nastiest blocks & dunks.pic.twitter.com/Esisg4ciME
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 15, 2021

All told, McGee has played for 7 NBA teams in 15 seasons.

Cleveland turned the JaVale McGee $4.2M expiring contract into 3 seconds:

2023 DEN (protected 31-46)
2026 LAL (from the Nov. trade)
2027 DEN
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 25, 2021

Hartenstein, 22, is making just $1.6 million this season and $1.7 million next season. He’ll presumably serve as the backup to Jarrett Allen.