David Lee Trade Rumors: Latest News and Speculation on Celtics F

David Lee's future with the Boston Celtics is up in the air, as the forward has been linked to a move less than a season after his arrival.

Continue for updates.

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Lee Reportedly Likely to Leave Boston Before Trade Deadline

Wednesday, Feb. 3

Howard Beck of Bleacher Report reported the Celtics will either trade Lee before the Feb. 18 deadline or come to an agreement on a buyout. Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe reported "Lee's camp and Celtics are on same page, amicably looking for solution together."

On Dec. 21, David Aldridge of NBA.com reported Lee's expiring contract was "available," citing league sources.

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Lee Comments on Future with Celtics

Thursday, Jan. 7

"We'll see moving forward how permanent this is," Lee said Wednesday night when asked if he would request a trade after being benched, per Jay King of MassLive.com. King provided more from Lee: 

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Obviously I'm very confident I can help a team win. I'd love for that to be the Boston Celtics. So no, I haven't spoken about that. I haven't really thought about that yet. Right now it's about continuing to be ready, and if that was talked about it would be between my agent, the Celtics and other teams. At this point I'm excited to get back on the floor and play minutes for the Celtics, and hopefully that will be tomorrow night, and play minutes, and help us win the game.

"

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Lee Has Failed to Gel with Celtics

In his first year in Boston, Lee is averaging 7.1 points, 1.8 assists and 4.3 rebounds per night in what has been his worst statistical season since his rookie campaign in 2005-06. 

Lee also comes with an unfavorable price tag, as his $15.4 million salary this season makes him Boston’s highest-paid player, per Spotrac. 

The Celtics acquired the former All-Star in a trade with the Golden State Warriors last summer after being relegated to a bench role during their title run. In the four seasons prior, he was a full-time starter, averaging 18.3 points and 35.8 minutes per game. 

He’s seemingly in the same situation as last year, once again seeking a suitor that will grant him ample playing time. The writing was firmly on the wall once the Warriors signed Draymond Green to a handsome extension, and Golden State then agreed to help Lee find a new home. 

Lee insisted he doesn’t regret requesting out of Golden State despite its historic start, saying, “The biggest thing for me is ending on the note that I did last year winning a championship," per Diamond Leung of the San Jose Mercury News.

The Celtics have been aggressive in attempting to upgrade their personnel in the offseason, but with a surplus of guards—including Marcus Smart, R.J. Hunter and James Young—and their failed attempts at moving up in recent drafts, it adds incentive to make a move midseason.

Lee will need to be open to going to any team that will allow him the playing time to hopefully make a run at a return to his All-Star form.