David Lee has been around long enough to know that the NBA is a business, and that the Golden State Warriors will again try and deal him this summer.
"I think they tried to trade me the last two years, didn't they?" the 32-year-old told Scott Howard-Cooper of NBA.com.
The thing is now, the Warriors almost have to trade him. Lee is owed just under $15.5 million next season, the last of his contract. The magical season the Warriors put together this year included the blossoming of Lee's replacement in the starting lineup – Draymond Green – who will be getting a max contract this summer, one the Dubs seem determined to ensure is in Golden State.
Lee's floor time has all but disappeared in the postseason. After averaging 18.4 minutes a game in 49 contests during the regular season, he has seen under eight minutes per in nine playoff games.
The reality now is he no longer fits in the Warriors regular rotation. The 6-foot-9, 250-pound traditional power forward's heaviest playoff load came against the Grizzlies in the second round, where his skills were a better match against front-heavy Memphis. With Green seeing time at center and Harrison Barnes at the four – or essentially the position-less basketball the Dubs can play – there just isn't a need for Lee.
He's there however, ready for an emergency, and he doesn't sound bitter about it. He also recognizes the financial reality.
"I'd love to be out there playing more and I'm sure that for the money they're paying they would love for me to be playing 40 minutes," Lee told Howard-Cooper. "I realize the money I make next year and I realize that they're going to try to pay guys like Draymond.
"We'll see once the season's over," he added. "The most important thing, though, is getting this ring first and then worrying about that later."
