The Golden State Warriors acquired power forward David Lee from the New York Knicks after the 2010 season. Lee had a successful tenure with Golden State, earning two all star berths. After losing his starting role this season to budding star Draymond Green, Lee got limited playing time, averaging only 18 minutes per game. The forward is scheduled to cash in $15,493,680 next season and the organization obviously doesn’t want to pay him that sum of money for sitting on the bench. Now it looks like Golden State and Lee have both agreed that it is in the best interest for both parties if they separate.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein:
“Story going online now: ESPN sources say Warriors and David Lee’s camp have resolved to work together to find new home for former All-Star”
Lee did end up playing some important minutes in the finals but he obviously isn’t going to be worth the money next season behind Draymond Green, Marreese Speights, and Festus Ezeli on the depth chart.
The two time all star used to be a double double machine and could probably still produce for a team if he is inserted into the starting lineup. At age 32 however, he doesn’t have much upside remaining. He is a defensive liability and wouldn’t be able to protect the paint for a team. His lack of outside shooting would also hurt his chances to succeed in today’s “run and gun” NBA. Even with his rather large contract there should be plenty of suitors looking for the services of the veteran big man.
