It is widely acknowledged that Golden State Warriors forward David Lee has played his last game for the organization.
After playing a key role in turning the 2015 NBA Finals in their favor, the Warriors are keen to give him the right send off, but which team offers the best trade deal?
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Lee is owed $15.5 million in the last year of his contract next season, and the Warriors have to consider the luxury tax penalties that they would incur if he stays on.
While in an ideal world they would arguably like to keep this team together for another championship run next season, they simply can’t afford to do so and Lee wants more minutes after sacrificing himself for a team-first approach this past year.
As a result, all the signs point towards a trade, even though many expected that it would happen before or during the Draft last week.
The 32-year-old remains a Warriors player for the time being, but it won’t be for long as the free agency market is now open for business and Golden State will likely continue to consider its options moving forward.
It is no secret that they want to find a team that Lee is also happy with, a sign of respect for his loyalty and what he has offered this team in recent years. However, will it really be that simple?
December 21, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee (10) shoots the ball against Los Angeles Lakers power forward Shawne Williams (3, left) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 102-83. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Like with every player in the league this summer, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks have been linked with a move, and they do represent decent fits as well as being destinations that would undoubtedly appeal to Lee, particularly a return to the Garden.
The Utah Jazz and Toronto Raptors have also been mentioned consistently and remain options, and so there is clearly a market there for the Warriors and Lee to work with.
Much depends on whether or not he is ready to sacrifice competing for another championship any time soon in order to get the minutes that he craves.
If that’s the case, then none of the teams mentioned above can be ruled out. Golden State might find it a little more difficult to find a championship contender to do business with, and so LA and New York arguably represent intriguing options even though it is unclear what assets they would get in return.
For the Warriors, this is about dumping salary while keeping Lee happy. The former All-Star has been with the franchise for five years and has helped them to get to this position. If losing him in a deal that doesn’t necessarily get them what they want happens, then they will have to accept it as ultimately keeping Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green together amongst others is the priority.