The Golden State Warriors had one of their better seasons in 2012-2013. One of those reasons the play of power forward David Lee who became the franchises’ first all-star representative since Latrell Sprewell in 1996-1997.
During the regular season Lee averaged 18.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, on 51.9 percent shooting and 79.7 percent from the free throw line. He led the NBA in double-doubles with 56 and recorded one triple-double as well against the Charlotte Bobcats. The playoffs weren’t as kind to him as he suffered a torn right hipflexor muscle in their first round series against the Denver Nuggets and though when it looked like he would miss the remainder of the playoffs he got chance to play a limited amount of minutes.
What makes the Warriors look at the opportunity to deal Lee is his contract, which pays him $44 million over the next three seasons. There’s also been reports of attempting to acquire Andrea Bargnani from the Toronto Raptors and that didn’t happen with the New York Knicks landing him. Another trade that got explored included Brandon Rush in hopes of acquiring LaMarcus Aldridge from the Portland Trail Blazers and that didn’t going anywhere as other teams offered more.
To trade Lee it shouldn’t happen for the sake of moving his contract as attempting to acquire Bargnani was. Going after Aldridge who seemed unhappy recently in Portland is a better move for the Warriors as he’s one of the better power forwards in the NBA. Yet, at this point it doesn’t look like a trade is imminent, so Lee most likely will start the season in a Warriors uniform.