Report: Knicks, Lakers could pursue Warriors' Lee in trade talks
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This isn't what the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks had in mind when they entered free agency with boatloads of cap space.
I do know that Knicks have had discussions about reacquiring Lee. But they had to explore all FA options first. It's a possibility.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) July 2, 2015
If Lakers miss on their top three FA targets, they're more likely to pursue David Lee in a trade than revisit Boogie talks
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2015
Lee, who spent the first five years of his career with the Knicks before his recent five-year stint with the Warriors, was relegated to bench duties in Golden State this past season, averaging 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while appearing in only 49 games.
The veteran power forward then logged just over eight minutes per game in 13 playoff appearances as the Warriors marched to the title.
Lee remains a capable offensive big man, with the ability to finish inside and to make plays off the catch and from the elbows, but his defensive ineptitude often makes him a liability on the court, and the Warriors have reportedly been exploring ways to move his nearly $15.5-million salary for next season.
As a reserve big man on an expiring contract, Lee could still hold some value to teams like the Lakers and Knicks, who appear to have struck out in their pursuit of top-tier, free-agent forwards.