At 38, with three championship rings and an Olympic gold medal, JaVale McGee is still cashing NBA paychecks while playing overseas — and building a second career as a music producer and investor. Here’s how a player once known for blooper reels carved out a legacy that keeps paying dividends.
Height: 7’0″ ·
Weight: 270 lbs ·
NBA Championships: 3 (2017, 2018, 2020) ·
Current Team: Illawarra Hawks (NBL) ·
Age: 38 (born Jan 19, 1988) ·
Draft: 2008, 1st round, 18th overall
Quick snapshot
- Three NBA championships (2017, 2018, 2020) Wikipedia
- Drafted 18th overall in 2008 Basketball-Reference
- Diagnosed with ADHD in college Wikipedia
- Exact net worth — estimates range from $10 M to $30 M Sportskeeda
- Whether he will return to the NBA after his NBL stint Hoops Rumors
- Specific payout details of the stretch provision Fadeaway World
- 2025 BSN champion with Vaqueros de Bayamón Wikipedia
- Signed one-year deal with Illawarra Hawks for 2025-26 NBL season ESPN
- Still receiving stretched payments from Dallas Mavericks through 2027-28 ClutchPoints
- Plays the 2025-26 NBL season for Illawarra Hawks ESPN
- Continue receiving NBA salary through stretch provision Fadeaway World
- Potential return to NBA free agency after 2025-26 Hoops Rumors
Eight key facts, one snapshot: JaVale McGee has outlasted expectations through a mix of on-court production and smart contract management.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | JaVale Lindy McGee |
| Born | January 19, 1988 (age 38) |
| Height | 7’0″ |
| Weight | 270 lbs |
| NBA Draft | 2008, 1st round, 18th overall (Washington Wizards) |
| NBA Championships | 3 (2017, 2018, 2020) |
| Current Team | Illawarra Hawks (NBL) |
| Net Worth (estimated) | $10–15 million |
The table above distills the key biographical and career data of JaVale McGee, highlighting the breadth of his professional journey.
Is JaVale McGee still getting paid?
How the stretch provision keeps his salary active
When the Dallas Mavericks (official team announcement) waived McGee in August 2023, they applied the stretch provision to his three-year, $17 million contract. Stretching spreads the remaining cap hit across twice the remaining years plus one — effectively paying him $2,208,856 per season through 2027-28 according to ClutchPoints contract data. Because the provision guarantees base salary, McGee receives those payments even while suiting up for the Illawarra Hawks in Australia. Fadeaway World calculated the daily rate at roughly $6,051 — a steady NBA-level paycheck that will continue into his age-40 season.
What his current pay looks like
For the 2024-25 season, SalarySwish (contract tracker) lists McGee’s base salary at $6,007,341, though that figure includes both the stretched portion and any remaining non-stretched money. SalarySport (NBA payroll database) shows a similar $6,007,341 figure for 2024-25, dropping to $2,208,856 in 2025-26 as the stretch fully kicks in. The bottom line: McGee is guaranteed NBA-level money through at least 2027, regardless of which league he plays in.
No other NBA veteran currently collects a stretched salary while winning a championship in the Puerto Rican league — McGee is unique in cashing two paychecks from two continents.
How many rings does JaVale McGee have?
Golden State Warriors championships (2017, 2018)
McGee signed with the Warriors in 2016 and became a key reserve during their back-to-back titles. He averaged 9.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per 36 minutes in the 2017 playoffs, per Basketball-Reference (career playoff stats). His length and finishing ability helped Golden State’s second unit maintain pressure.
Los Angeles Lakers championship (2020)
After stints in Denver and Los Angeles, McGee joined the Lakers for the 2019-20 season. In the Orlando bubble, he appeared in 14 playoff games and collected his third ring when LA defeated Miami in six games. That 2020 title made him one of a handful of players to win rings with both the Warriors and Lakers in the modern era.
Rings breakdown: 2017 (Warriors) · 2018 (Warriors) · 2020 (Lakers)
What is JaVale McGee doing now?
Current role with the Illawarra Hawks (NBL)
On August 23, 2025, the ESPN (NBA/NBL news outlet) reported that McGee agreed to a one-year deal with the Illawarra Hawks for the 2025-26 NBL season. Hoops Rumors (NBA transaction tracker) confirmed the signing, calling him a “veteran NBA center.” Before that, he won a BSN championship with Vaqueros de Bayamón in Puerto Rico and was named BSN Defensive Player of the Year in 2025, per Wikipedia (player biography page).
Off-court activities: music, investing, and gaming
McGee’s Instagram (official profile) bio describes him as an “Investor. Entrepreneur. Grammy-Nominated Producer. 3x NBA Champion. Olympic Gold Medalist.” He has produced music tracks and invested in tech and real estate. His diversified income stream reduces reliance on NBA salary alone — a strategy that has become more common among veteran players.
Does JaVale McGee have ADHD?
Diagnosis and impact on his NBA career
McGee has publicly stated that he was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during his college years at the University of Nevada, Reno. The condition contributed to his reputation for sporadic play — the “Shaqtin’ a Fool” moments — but he has since learned to manage it. In interviews, he credits medication and routine for helping him focus. Wikipedia notes that the diagnosis was a “turning point” in his career.
Public statements and advocacy
While McGee doesn’t brand himself as an activist, his openness about ADHD has helped normalize the conversation around mental health in professional sports. Few NBA players have been as candid about a neurodevelopmental condition, giving him a unique platform among his peers.
McGee’s career arc challenges the stereotype that ADHD precludes high-level athletic performance. For young athletes with similar diagnoses, his path offers a concrete example of adaptability.
What is JaVale McGee’s net worth?
NBA salary earnings over 16 seasons
According to SalarySwish (contract earnings database), McGee has earned more than $70 million in base NBA salary since entering the league in 2008. His highest single-season salary was $14.1 million in 2022-23 with the Mavericks. With the stretched Dallas money included, his NBA haul will exceed $74 million by 2028.
Business ventures and endorsements
Estimates of McGee’s net worth vary widely. Sportskeeda (sports business analysis) placed it at around $30 million as of February 2026. SalarySport (player revenue site) listed a far higher figure of $87.8 million, but that number likely includes future contract guarantees. Most independent sources estimate the current total between $10 and $15 million, given taxes, agent fees, and spending.
McGee sacrificed a larger one-time paycheck by accepting the stretch provision, but gained long-term financial security that most short-tenured veterans never see.
Timeline: Key moments in JaVale McGee’s career
- – Drafted by Washington Wizards (18th overall)
- – Traded to Denver Nuggets
- – Signed with Golden State Warriors
- – Won first NBA championship (Warriors)
- – Won second NBA championship (Warriors)
- – Won third NBA championship (Lakers)
- – Won Olympic gold medal with Team USA
- – Signed three-year, $17M contract with Dallas Mavericks
- – Waived by Mavericks; stretch provision applied
- – Signed with Sacramento Kings
- – Signed with Vaqueros de Bayamón (BSN)
- – Won BSN championship, BSN Defensive Player of the Year
- – Signed one-year deal with Illawarra Hawks (NBL)
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear about JaVale McGee
Confirmed facts
- Three NBA championships (2017, 2018, 2020) — Wikipedia
- Height 7’0″ — Basketball-Reference
- Diagnosed with ADHD in college — Wikipedia
- Currently under contract with Illawarra Hawks (NBL) — ESPN
- Stretch provision payments from Dallas Mavericks through 2027-28 — ClutchPoints
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth — estimates range from $10 M to $30 M
- Whether he will return to the NBA after the NBL season
- Specific details of the stretch provision payout schedule beyond 2025-26
- The rumored NBL Australia move before the official signing was unconfirmed
Quotes from and about JaVale McGee
“Investor. Entrepreneur. Grammy-Nominated Producer. 3x NBA Champion. Olympic Gold Medalist.”
— JaVale McGee, via his Instagram (official personal profile)
“The Illawarra Hawks have signed three-time NBA champion JaVale McGee to a one-year deal for the 2025-26 NBL season.”
— ESPN (NBA/NBL news outlet), reporting the signing
What’s next for JaVale McGee?
For a player who has already outlasted the average NBA career by a decade, the next chapter in Australia will be a fresh test. The Illawarra Hawks will rely on his rim protection and championship experience in the NBL. Meanwhile, the stretched Mavericks payments ensure he remains financially secure regardless of on-court results. For fans who remember the “Shaqtin’ a Fool” days, the final arc of McGee’s career is proving that adaptability beats raw talent over the long haul.
Related reading: **Tim Duncan: Biography, Rings, Quotes, and Personal Life** · **Shaquille O’Neal: Height, Net Worth, Health & Career**
Frequently asked questions
What is JaVale McGee’s real name?
His full name is JaVale Lindy McGee, born January 19, 1988 in Flint, Michigan.
When was JaVale McGee born?
January 19, 1988. He turned 38 in 2025.
How long has JaVale McGee been in the NBA?
He entered the league in 2008, meaning 2025 marks his 17th year as a professional basketball player.
What college did JaVale McGee attend?
He played college basketball for the University of Nevada, Reno (Nevada Wolf Pack) from 2006 to 2008.
Does JaVale McGee have any siblings in the NBA?
No. His mother, Pamela McGee, is a former WNBA player and two-time NCAA champion, but no siblings have played professional basketball.
What is JaVale McGee’s wingspan?
His wingspan is listed at 7 feet 6 inches, which helps him block shots and finish above the rim.
Why is JaVale McGee called ‘Shaqtin’ a Fool’?
The nickname comes from Shaquille O’Neal’s television segment highlighting humorous or unusual plays. McGee appeared frequently early in his career, though he later said the segment misrepresented his game.
Has JaVale McGee won an Olympic medal?
Yes, he won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021).
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Oz Reviewly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.