5 Potential Trade Destinations For David Lee

Feb 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) reacts after being called for a foul against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) reacts after being called for a foul against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Golden State Warriors defeated the Sacramento Kings 121-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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David Lee
December 23, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) controls the ball against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Sacre (50) during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are way under the cap as it is, so even though Ed Davis will be opting out of the final $1.1 million of his contract in search of a big payday, Los Angeles can free up even more room by not exercising Jordan Hill‘s $9 million team option — a move that makes sense if they go with either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor at No. 2 in this year’s draft.

With that much cap room and there being a remote possibility the Lakers strike out in free agency once again, perhaps they’d be willing to take on Lee’s inflated contract just to fill the void for a year?

Los Angeles obviously wants to retool sooner rather than later, but another year of misery could add another top draft pick and keep the books clear for next summer, when the cap explodes to a projected $89 million (and when Kevin Durant hits free agency). Lee wouldn’t disrupt those plans, since his one-year contract would be off the books by then.

It’d really be a win-win for both sides, assuming the Lakers strike out or don’t go all in this summer. Los Angeles would enjoy a talented double-double machine who’d quickly become a fan favorite for his energy and effort, while Lee would get a chance to boost his market value before looking for a more permanent home in 2016’s free agency class.

Next: No. 3