Phoenix Suns backup big JaVale McGee is moving on.
The 7-foot free-agent center has agreed to a three-year, $20.1 million deal with the Dallas Mavericks, according to a report from Shams Charania, senior lead NBA Insider for The Athletic and Stadium. The deal includes a player option for the third year.
The Suns agreed to a one-year, $5-million deal to bring in McGee last year as a backup to Deandre Ayton, who now is a restricted free agent. The Suns declined to offer Ayton a rookie max contract last year, and now speculation has run high that they are looking to deal him. As a restricted free agent, the Suns could match or exceed any offer another team extends Ayton.
McGee walking back to Dallas takes him off the Suns’ books for salary cap next season, in which they are heading toward the $150.26 million luxury tax threshold and paying the tax for the first time in a decade.
McGee played in 74 games for the Suns last season, averaging 15.8 minutes, 9.2 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
McGee was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2008 and has played for eight total teams since then. He spent the 2015-16 season with the Mavericks. McGee won championships with the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and ’18, and with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
The NBA free agent period began at 3 p.m., Thursday, Arizona time.
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