National Basketball Association

Report: Warriors, David Lee agree to part ways

Published Jun. 17, 2015 1:46 p.m. ET

foxsports

By David Kenyon

Just two years ago, power forward David Lee was an integral part of the Golden State Warriors. He earned an All-Star nod in 2013, averaging 18.5 points and 11.2 rebounds.

But now, hours after Golden State’s NBA championship, ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that Lee and the team have agreed to find him a new basketball home.

Parting ways with Lee is a mutually beneficial agreement.

According to HoopsHype, Lee is set to earn $15.5 million next season. Golden State must re-sign restricted free agent Draymond Green to a hefty deal, perhaps a max contract. Lee being traded opens space for that to happen, lest the franchise pay millions in luxury tax.

Plus, for Lee, he’ll find a place where playing time is a legitimate possibility. The Warriors certainly appreciated Lee’s contributions, but he wasn’t a critical piece of their rotation and is an expendable asset.

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