The Golden State Warriors have agreed to a trade with the Celtics that will send David Lee to Boston in exchange for Gerald Wallace. ESPN’s Marc Stein first reported the news.
ESPN sources say that the Celtics have agreed to send Gerald Wallace to the Warriors for David Lee
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) July 7, 2015
The Warriors main motive for the trade was for luxery tax implications. After signing Draymond Green to a max extension the Warriors were destined to pay the tax. Trading Lee will help as Wallace will make approximately $5 million less than Lee. Golden State may also decide to use the stretch provision to further the tax savings but it appears the team has ruled out that possibility. It appears the Warriors plan on keeping Wallace for the time being. As of now the ESPN Trade machine declares that this trade is invalid so there may be another team or player involved before it is all said and done.
For the Celtics the trade makes a ton of sense as the team was willing to give up a first round pick just to trade Gerald Wallace. The C’s also add more depth to their already deep front court that includes Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynk, Tyler Zeller, and the newly signed Amir Johnson. With Lee will only have one year remaining on his mega contract allowing cap flexibility for next season.
Update as of 27/07/2015
It’s official. Lee is now a member of the Boston Celtics. Gerald Wallace is in the deal but the Warriors also gain 25 year old Chris Babb.
“We are excited to welcome David as a member of the Celtics family,” said President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge. “His proven skill set and experience on a championship team will add valuable depth to our frontcourt and a veteran presence to our locker room.”
This is a great move for the C’s, a great chance for David Lee to revive his career, he has a ring and will now go to help the young Celtics make moves to be right back where they should be. At the top of the NBA.
