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5 Potential Trade Destinations For David Lee

By Gerald Bourguet

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
Mar 2, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) talks to Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Warriors 104-98. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Toronto Raptors

This one is pretty simple. The Toronto Raptors, as currently situated, have $49 million on the books for the 2015-16 season with the salary cap projected to be $67.1 million. Amir Johnson and Louis Williams become unrestricted free agents this summer, but right now it seems unlikely that either will be back next season.

After a hugely disappointing first round sweep at the hands of the Washington Wizards, general manager Masai Ujiri has a decision to make. Should he blow up the roster by trading Kyle Lowry? Will Dwane Casey give Jonas Valanciunas the minutes he needs despite his defensive inefficiencies? Can Toronto bring in the kind of free agent that prevents this team from having already reached its ceiling?

There are a lot of questions and no concrete answers. But if Ujiri doesn’t think this team has tapped into its full potential yet, bringing in Lee might be as good as it gets. Toronto historically hasn’t been an attractive destination for free agents, awesome city though it may be.

Lee can’t spread the floor with a perimeter jump shot, but the Raptors could use the rebounding and efficient interior scoring he provides. Plus, Toronto’s current power forward looks like it’ll be Patrick Patterson right now, which isn’t particularly reassuring. For the team that finished 25th in the league in defensive rebounding percentage, David Lee would be a helpful pickup.

Next: No. 1

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