Golden State Warriors: 4 Potential David Lee Trade Scenarios
By Ben Pickman
Mar 11, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) reacts to the foul call against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Andre Iguodala has brought tons of good news to the Golden State Warriors. He brings defense, toughness, wing talent and another All-Star caliber player. The arrival of Iggy, though, means that David Lee could be on the trading block.
Lee is an incredibly attractive trade piece, as his offensive game is one of the more polished and consistent compared to others at his position. Lee was ninth in the league in field goals made. He was a double-double machine, leading the league with 56. And furthermore, he was the lone Warrior elected to the All-Star team.
But because of the arrival of Iggy, alongside Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut, Lee could be moved soon.
Here are some possible deals:
Warriors trade David Lee and a future first-round pick to the Sacramento Kings for DeMarcus Cousins and Grevis Vasquez
The Kings need to be in full rebuilding mode. Adding a talented centerpiece as well as a draft pick, provides them with a reset opportunity. Lee would join a young inexperienced Kings squad but would reunite himself with former Warrior, Carl Landry. Landry and Lee flourished in the Bay Area and would flourish in Sacramento as well.
Cousins and Vasquez provide the Dubs with another point guard capable of making plays and setting up his teammates through unselfish play, as well as a young aggressive big man in need of a change of scenery.
Warriors trade David Lee to the Chicago Bulls for Carlos Boozer and Kirk Hinrich
May 15, 2013; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls point guard Nate Robinson (right) is helped up by teammate power forward Carlos Boozer (left) during the second half against the Miami Heat in game five of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Miami Heat won 94-91. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Lee would fit right in alongside Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose and Luol Deng. Boozer and Hinrich would provide the Warriors with more depth at the point guard position as well as a capable replacement for Lee.
In terms of salary, the Dubs would be taking on more cap, but Hinrich is an expandable trade deadline piece because he is an expiring contract. Boozer has a deal similar to Lee, but could also become future potential trade bait.
Warriors trade David Lee to the Atlanta Hawks for Lou Williams and a future first-round pick
Atlanta receives a franchise-level player in Lee, one capable of scoring his offense at will.
The Warriors, in turn, would receive, Lou Williams, an instant scorer and playmaker comfortable coming off the bench. A deal like this benefits the Dubs, as Williams would fill the hole left by Jarrett Jack’s departure via free agency.
Warriors trade David Lee to the Wizards for Emeka Okafor and Jan Vesely
Lee would slide in next to Nene in the Wizards frontcourt and provide help to a Wizards squad trying to make the leap into the postseason.
The Warriors receive a defense first bigman in Okafor and a former lottery pick in Vesely. Okafor would come off the bench allowing the Dubs to play small to start games, but also provide strong depth if and when Andrew Bogut gets hurt. Vesely is having a big NBA summer league for whatever that is worth