The Dallas Mavericks, on the hunt for a rim protector in the wake of DeAndre Jordan's decision to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers, interviewed former Washington and Denver big man JaVale McGee for the vacancy over the weekend, according to sources.
Sources told ESPN.com that the Mavericks' interest in McGee, as of Monday evening, was growing and poised to progress to a serious stage if the 27-year-old can allay concerns about his long-term health.
Interest between the sides is mutual, sources said, with McGee undeniably capable of supplying an interior presence defensively at his best and thus filling a void on the Dallas roster after Jordan's about-face. But McGee must prove he has shaken the nagging injury woes that have limited him to just 28 games over the past two seasons.
The Mavs traded for Milwaukee Bucks veteran Zaza Pachulia in the wake of Jordan's U-turn, which gives them an experienced center to plug into the starting lineup if necessary. But Dallas still wants to add athleticism and rim protection to its frontcourt rotation. And sources say that, to that end, team officials are looking "anywhere and everywhere" for a center who can address those needs.
Sources say Dallas will be taking a fresh look via private workout Tuesday with Samuel Dalembert, who spent the 2013-14 season in Dallas. Among the other free agents on the Mavs' list of potential frontcourt targets, sources say, are Tyler Hansbrough, another recent Mav in Elton Brand and the more offensive-minded Kevin Seraphin.
