Long-time Golden State Warrior David Lee was traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Gerald Wallace on Tuesday. The Dubs had been actively shopping the 32-year-old ever since winning their 4th title in franchise history last month. Lee is owed $15.5 million next season, the final year of his contract, and Golden State was eager to shed his salary for tax-saving purposes. They were able to find a trade partner match in the Celtics, who had a similarly expensive expiring asset in the $10.1 million remaining on Wallace’s deal.
Reigning league MVP Stephen Curry, who had been teammates with Lee since the 2010-11 season, reacted to the news by posting a fantastic farewell on Twitter.
In honor of my boy @Dlee042 taking the next step in his career, this is how we started our relationship! Love you bro http://t.co/25UqWFtSJj
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) July 7, 2015
There are so many great things about that video. Where should we even begin? Golden State’s legendary peach-colored away jerseys that invoke memories of when larger-than-life icons like Andris Biedrins and Kelenna Azubuike reigned supreme in the Bay? The sight of Knickerbocker immortals Jordan Hill and Chris Duhon blessing the Madison Square Garden crowd with their presence? Or perhaps Curry turning his future teammate into his own personal Charles Smith?
Nevertheless, the Lee trade was one that had to be made by the Warriors. The 2-time All-Star had been banished to Coach Steve Kerr’s “DNP-CD” doghouse for much of the season last year. Lee got injured early on, saw Draymond Green vulture his starting spot, and watched helplessly as the team lit the NBA on fire with a small-ball revolution. It was a 67-win firestorm based around pristine floor-spacing, positional versatility, and suffocating defense, three of Lee’s biggest weaknesses. To Lee’s credit, he accepted his marginalization without complaint. Later, when his number was called in the Finals, he responded admirably as the Warriors won their first NBA championship since 1975.
Green, the Ronnie James Dio to Lee’s Ozzy Osbourne, was also sure to give his well-wishes to Lee on Twitter.
The part of the business that sucks! Wish my big bro @Dlee042 nothing but the best and I appreciate you showing me the way Champ!!!Much love
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) July 7, 2015
Lee took to Instagram to express his gratitude to the Warriors faithful as well.
His caption read:
Want to take a moment to thank the entire Bay Area for what’s been the best 5 years of my life. The journey from a 23 win team to NBA champs is one I’ll never forget. Thanks to the most loyal fans in basketball for supporting me the entire way!
This season’s success happened because of the amazing character and chemistry from the 15 men on the roster, the front office, coaches, and staff all wanting the same thing, to win a championship.
Much Love for the Bay and for the Warriors and I’m truly blessed to have been a part of it! #GSW #FullSquad
Lee will provide steady veteran value to a young Celtics team with his back-to-the-basket game, well-timed cuts, pick-and-roll prowess, and hyperactivity on the glass. He will join Amir Johnson, Tyler Zeller, Jared Sullinger, and Kelly Olynyk to form a low-upside, but sneaky deep Boston frontcourt.
As for Crash Wallace, the Warriors could waive him via the stretch provision. But should they decide to keep him, the 32-year-old could provide a small dose of two-way energy for the defending champs. His ability to toggle between both forward spots is a Golden State hallmark, and he could be of slight value to them in 2015-16.
