Nuggets acquire McGee from Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers have finalized a deal to trade veteran center JaVale McGee to the Denver Nuggets for center Isaiah Hartenstein and two second-round picks, the teams announced.

The picks include the Nuggets' 2023 selection (top-46 protected) and an unprotected 2027 second-rounder.

The 33-year-old McGee has enjoyed a strong season as a backup big man for the rebuilding Cavaliers. The three-time NBA champion has averaged eight points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in just over 15 minutes per appearance.

Hartenstein, the No. 43 pick in the 2017 draft, has mostly been relegated to a deep reserve role with the Nuggets. In his third NBA season, the 7-footer has averaged 3.5 points and 2.8 rebounds in 9.1 minutes per game. He controls a $1.8-million player option for the 2021-22 campaign.