June 17th, 2011 
Russ Loede 
Posted in 
JaVale Staying In Nation’s Capital?
Two inside sources close to the Washington Wizards have said the club has “no interest” in trading center JaVale McGee.
Rumors circling around the Association have been buzzing about the Wizards’ interest in moving up to No. 2, to select Derrick Williams. But at the price of a promising big man, with his best years ahead of him?
Even though Minnesota has inquired about the seven-footer, it looks like they won’t be granted their wish. But you can’t fault them for trying, as they’re also desiring Lakers’ All-Star power forward Pau Gasol (according to ESPN’s Chad Ford); to team up with Spaniard sensation Ricky Rubio.
In Washington’s case, it’s clear the team understands they possess a valuable trade asset.
Michael Lee from the Washington Post:
The Minnesota Timberwolves may want JaVale McGee in any swap for the No. 2 overall pick, but the Wizards have no interest in moving the incredibly athletic, 7-foot-1 center, according to two sources with knowledge of the team’s thinking. … While the Timberwolves have asked for him, dealing McGee isn’t considered an option for the Wizards in order to move into the top three in the June 23 NBA draft, the sources said. Trading McGee hasn’t even been discussed internally, according to the source.
The Wizards know they have a good thing going with The John Wall Show. With “The Phenom” Wall directing alley-oops down McGee Avenue, why break up a dynamic duo? Whenever the rock is near the vicinity of the long-armed JaVale, the former member of the Wolf Pack is there to jam it home with authority, and on the other end, viciously sending opponents elsewhere with their bags packing.
Rather than make a monumental mistake, shipping JaVale north, expect GM Ernie Grunfeld to keep his prized big man; while upgrading the frontcourt around the center with his first round pick. Most assuredly, this draft will be used to support McGee, not replace him.
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