NBA Trade Rumors: Nets Discussing New Deal With Cavs For Former Lakers Center, Report Says

The Brooklyn Nets are far from done when it comes to addressing their roster needs. Most know that the Nets took quite a hit in the James Harden trade, sending away multiple players in the deal.

The Nets have two roster spots open and received a $5.7 million trade exception recently, Shams Charania of The Athletic reported. This was a result of the season-ending injury that Spencer Dinwiddie suffered. Using that on shoring up its frontline following the release of Jarrett Allen would make a lot of sense.

Ironically, a player they are targeting is someone Allen had displaced over in Cleveland. JaVale McGee took a hit when the 22-year-old came on board. He was averaging 6.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks for the Cavs before things were changed up following the massive multiplayer NBA trade.

The Nets and the Cavs are holding talks for the second time, according to Sam Amico of AmicoHoops. Unnamed sources told @FortyEightMins that the Nets will try to get something done for McGee, who can provide added veteran presence in the middle.

As mentioned in a previous report, adding a center made sense for the undermanned Nets. Only DeAndre Jordan is around to man the middle so adding another rim protector would make sense.

Before this report, there were suggestions that the Los Angeles Lakers should seriously consider bringing back the three-time NBA champion. However, that would be a bit complicated since McGee was traded to the Cavaliers. Even if Cleveland cuts the 33-year-old veteran, the purple and gold still cannot take him in due to NBA rules.

The only way the Lakers can consider re-acquiring McGee is if he is traded to another team and then cut. If the Nets succeed, that could gain some headway. But seeing how the Nets need additional bodies, they are unlikely to cut him at this point.

Given those scenarios, McGee joining the Nets makes sense. He could come off the bench and give Nets head coach Steve Nash and company some reprieve.

This season, McGee has played 13 games for the Cavs, averaging improved numbers of 8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.1 blocks in 16.9 minutes of action.