5 Potential Trade Destinations For David Lee

5. Sacramento Kings

The Sacramento Kings aren’t a team with a ton of cap space, nor are they a team that needs another post threat given how effectively DeMarcus Cousins can operate in the paint. A small-ball 4 who can spread the floor from outside the paint is what Sacramento really needs and Rudy Gay has had some success playing that role since joining the Kings.

As currently constructed, acquiring Lee would put the Kings over the cap, which is projected to be $67.1 million next season. It’d only be for a season, but the point still stands: that’s a lot of money to pay for a guy who would only fit with Boogie if he can knock down midrange jumpers and put those superb passing skills to the test (even money at this point).

So why does it feel like this is the exact kind of unorthodox move that Vivek Ranadive would green-light, even if David Lee is subtly — or, in an even more hilarious possibility, unknowingly — clowning the Kings?

The Warriors want to find a trade that makes Lee happy without taking back too much additional salary, but if this is the opinion he has of the Kings franchise, will he really be okay with a move to join Cali’s least prestigious team? Beggars can’t be choosers, but Golden State seems intent on rewarding their former All-Star for his sacrifice with a trade to a respectable franchise.

Even though the chips are currently down for teams like the Boston Celtics, Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, they’re far more glamorous organizations, they’re in better markets and they’d give Lee an opportunity to log starter’s minutes.

With Derrick Williams being a restricted free agent, that’s another potential complication. The Kings could be an option based on their needs, but perhaps not on Lee’s.

Next: No. 4