JaVale McGee wants to mentor young 76ers: 'I don't want to get bought out'

JaVale McGee has no plans of forcing his way out of Philadelphia.

McGee, whom the 76ers acquired at the trade deadline, is embracing the opportunity to act as a veteran voice and presence with the rebuilding team.

"When I was with the Wizards, I think it was my sophomore year, we won like 19 games," McGee said, according to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. "So I've been in the same situation. I've just definitely got to get these young guys' heads into it where they stay positive, keep playing hard, just look for wins and (learn) how to win."

McGee, who battled injuries with the Denver Nuggets before being moved, was explicit that he won't approach the team in order to seek another opportunity. Money, he said, is a factor, but it appears he's willing to commit to the 12-43 76ers. 

"I don't want to get bought out," McGee said. "That's not a positive thing. When you think about it, you don't get all of your money when you get bought out.

"So it doesn't make sense why someone would want to get bought out unless they are older - older and they want to go to a contender or something. I'm not that old. I just want to play basketball."

It seems as if the 76ers are on board, too, and would like to keep him around. McGee is earning $11.2 million this season and is owed $12 million for 2015-16. 

"We are coming into this whole thing with an open mind," head coach Brett Brown said. "He is around a bunch of genuine people, coaches that care. That will give him every chance to keep moving and to be as good as he can be.

"And if it doesn't work, it doesn't work. But it's not going to be on us."

McGee is set to play his third game as a member of the 76ers on Monday against the Miami Heat. He was quiet in his first two contests with his new team, but did throw down a monster dunk for his only basket Friday against the Indiana Pacers.