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It’s been less than a day since the Golden State Warriors won their first NBA Championship in 40 years and the team already is preparing to make moves for next season. According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Warriors are working with David Lee and his camp to find a trade partner for the veteran power forward.
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
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 17, 2015
Since signing a six-year, nearly $80 million deal with Golden State in 2010, Lee was the team’s starting power forward until head coach Steve Kerr took over this season. The former All-Star suffered a strained hamstring in the Warriors final preseason game and lost his starting spot to Draymond Green.
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Lee was never able to crack the starting lineup and ended up playing in just 49 games. The 32-year-old averaged just 8.2 minutes per game during the Warriors’ championship run, but played a huge role in giving the Warriors some momentum during the fourth quarter of their Game 3 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
With one year and $15.5 million remaining on his contract, trading Lee won’t be simple. The Warriors will need to find a team with a need in the frontcourt that’s also willing to take on Lee’s bloated salary.
It’s not a move owner Joe Lacob absolutely needs to make, but it would significantly lessen the team’s luxury cap constraints. Green is now a restricted free agent and the Warriors will likely need to sign him to a max contract to keep him in Oakland.
There’s little chance the Warriors don’t match any contract for Green even if Lee stays on the roster, but shedding Lee’s salary would ensure the heart and soul of their team remains a Warrior for the foreseeable future.
Seth Lassen is a writer for RantSports. ‘Like’ him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @Seth_Lassen.
