The Shanghai Sharks signed JaVale McGee following a previous deal with D’Angelo Russell, according to reports by Bleacher Report on Oct. 2, 2025. McGee arrives in the Chinese Basketball Association after a 16-season NBA career that included three championships, bringing a veteran interior presence to the defending league champions.
JaVale McGee Brings Three NBA Titles to Shanghai Sharks
McGee enters the CBA after playing 909 regular-season games in the NBA, where he averaged 7.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per contest. Selected 18th overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2008 NBA draft, McGee subsequently played for the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Sacramento Kings, among other franchises. He earned NBA titles with the Warriors in 2016-17 and 2017-18 before capturing a third championship with the Lakers in 2020, serving primarily as an elite rim protector and efficient finisher.
Global Stops Precede the Move to the Chinese Basketball Association
Following his departure from the Sacramento Kings in 2024, McGee extended his professional career across several international leagues. In 2025, he played for Vaqueros de Bayamón in Puerto Rico before joining the Illawarra Hawks in Australia. During the 2025–26 season, he averaged 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game for the Hawks. Later that season, McGee moved to China to join the Beijing Ducks, appearing in 26 games with averages of 11.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists.
Defending Champions Bolster Roster With Former NBA Veterans
The Shanghai Sharks secured a 38–4 record during the 2025–26 CBA regular season, ultimately capturing their second league championship and their first since 2002 after defeating Beijing in the playoffs. The club also competed in the FIBA Intercontinental Cup in September 2026. By adding McGee shortly after announcing the signing of D’Angelo Russell, Shanghai management pairs two high-profile former NBA veterans with their established domestic core.
Frequently Asked Questions About JaVale McGee Joining Shanghai
When did reports of JaVale McGee signing with the Shanghai Sharks emerge?
Local and international media outlets, including Bleacher Report, reported the agreement on Oct. 2, 2025.
Which Chinese Basketball Association team did McGee play for prior to joining Shanghai?
McGee played 26 games for the Beijing Ducks during the latter portion of the 2025–26 CBA season, averaging 11.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per contest.
How many NBA championships has JaVale McGee won?
McGee has won three NBA titles, winning championships with the Golden State Warriors in 2016-17 and 2017-18, followed by another with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
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