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How much does a first-round pick really cost?
Apparently, the bill comes to $15.5 million and David Lee. In an effort to ease their luxury tax bill, the Golden State Warriors are shopping Lee along with the 30th pick, reports Zach Lowe of Grantland.
As it stands, the Warriors' payroll could reach $100 million if they ink Draymond Green to a maximum contract. Factoring in luxury tax ramifications, Warriors owner Joe Lacob could be faced with a bill near $150 million.
Lacob has already conceded the Warriors will be a luxury tax team, but shedding Lee would translate to roughly $50 million in savings.
As for Lee, he simply lost his place with the Warriors after a change in coaching philosophy. Lee is a decent player and a former All-Star, but the Warriors found their groove by putting Green in the starting lineup to boost versatility, spacing, and defense. That formula translated to 67 regular-season wins and the championship.
In the four seasons prior, Lee averaged 18.2 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists on 51.3 percent shooting on 35.8 minutes. Those figures plummeted to 7.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 18.4 minutes per game this season. But, he's a crafty scorer who can play in the paint and in pick-and-roll.
However, Lee is a suspect defender and teams are keenly aware of the Warriors' financial predicament. That's why the 30th pick might not be enough to entice a take.
If that is the case, the Warriors are unwilling to toss in a second first-round pick. Even adding emerging center Festus Ezeli might be out of the question. The Warriors don't want to shred Lee's deal at the expense of future flexibility.
A buyout is also reportedly a possibility. The Warriors could pay something like the difference between Lee's next contract and his current $15.5 million price tag.
Such is the price of success.
