Last week Golden State Warriors power forward David Lee indicated that the franchise is not planning to trade him.

He also understands that it’s the off-season and rumors do start swirling especially with his contract situation over the next three seasons. Lee did state this “from what I’m told from our people, those are not true.  Of course in the off-season, everyone’s always available. But we’ll see what happens. Being in New York, I understand nothing is forever. Anybody is always capable of being moved anywhere. But I’m excited about the next couple of years with this team.’’

If the Warriors do have a change of heart and decide to trade Lee who averaged 18.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists on 51.9 percent shooting and 79.7 percent from the free throw line while also leading the NBA in double-doubles during the 2012-2013 season. There’s likely another player who will get added in any move and that has been Harrison Barnes, so that the salaries match-up. Yet, for any team asking for him then general manager Bob Myers should immediately counter with Klay Thompson as Barnes has too much upside.

The talented rookie out of North Carolina made a name for himself during the playoffs as he aggressively attacked the rim, posted up on smaller defenders and consistently hit the three. Barnes averaged 16.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists on 44.4 percent shooting, 36.5 percent from beyond the arc and 85.7 percent from the free throw line. His best game during the postseason came against the San Antonio Spurs in game five when he went for 25 points and seven rebounds on 10-18 shooting, 2-3 from the three-point line and 3-4 from the free throw line.

During the regular season averaged 9.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists, on 43.9 percent shooting, 35.9 percent from beyond the arc and 75.8 percent from the free throw line. Scored a career high 21 points on two separate occasions and set a career-high of 13 rebounds against the Atlanta Hawks.

After acquiring Andre Iguodala there becomes a chance that Thompson or Barnes along with Lee is minuscule. The reality is the Warriors have depth and  a more talented team than the previous year.

 

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