As the Warriors look for ways to upgrade a roster that earned a spot in the Western Conference Semifinals this year, the team has explored the possibility of trading David Lee, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
According to Wojnarowski, the Warriors offered Lee to the Raptors in a package that included Andrea Bargnani, but Toronto agreed to a deal that will send Bargnani to the Knicks. Golden State also made the Trail Blazers an offer for LaMarcus Aldridge that included Lee and Brandon Rush, says Wojnarowski. However, Portland has more appealing options than the Warriors' proposal, if the club chooses to move Aldridge.
Lee, 30, still has three years and close to $45MM remaining on his contract. While he's viewed as a better value than other Warriors like Andris Biedrins and Richard Jefferson, the three years remaining on his deal make him tricky to move. As Wojnarowski notes, it makes sense for Golden State to explore trading Lee for a star or at least a player on a shorter contract.
Well the Knicks love Lee and could use some toughness and rebounding. Bargnani for Lee? Screw future cap space, we have a 3 or 4 year window, might as well go all in.