The Golden State Warriors needed to trade David Lee. The Dubs wanted to shed salary to avoid a brutal luxury tax bill and Lee wanted to join a team where he would actually play after taking on a sacrificial benchwarmer role and winning a championship. It was bound to happen eventually. Everyone knows that.
But that’s not to say the move sending him to the Boston Celtics for Gerald Wallace (and another “to be decided” filler contract) will come without consequence.
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Coming off a dominant 83-win season when all was said and done, the Warriors have had the luxury of not needing to be particularly active during free agency. They sported one of the deepest and most versatile teams in the NBA last season and have had a quietly successful offseason to keep that dynamic intact.
But even though trading David Lee seemed like a no-brainer, there’s something to be said about consistency. Don’t forget, Lee is a very close friend with MVP Stephen Curry and has been a fan favorite in the Bay Area for years.
The deal is all but done, and there’s no going back now. But as we say goodbye to David Lee, here’s a look at the pros and cons of trading him away.
Next: Pro: Lee's Earned It