David Lee Rumors: Latest News and Speculation on Forward's Future
David Lee's tenure in Boston is over after less than one season. The Celtics announced that they waived the veteran forward on Friday after being unable to trade him before Thursday's 3 p.m. ET trade deadline.
Continue for updates.
Ainge Comments on Lee Decision
Friday, Feb. 19
“We thank David for his contributions to our organization and wish him nothing but the best in the future,” president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said in the Celtics' press release.
Lee Comments on NBA Future
Thursday, Feb. 18
"Absolutely. That's not even a question in my mind," Lee said of whether he still feels he can contribute to an NBA team, per Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com. "And I feel great right now. I feel healthy. So yeah, that's not even a question in my mind. It's just looking like it's not going to be in Boston."
Lee Retains Some Value Despite Struggles This Year
Acquired in a buy-low trade from the Golden State Warriors this summer, Lee hasn't fit in head coach Brad Stevens' plans. He's averaging a career-low 15.7 minutes per game, and his points total is his lowest since his rookie campaign. Stevens has held Lee out of 21 of Boston's last 22 games despite injuries not being a factor.
The Celtics have instead gone with a big-man rotation of Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk, Amir Johnson and Jonas Jerebko. Olynyk is expected to be out for the next two weeks while rehabbing a shoulder injury, per Forsberg, but that has not changed the team's plans.
“I’m not sure that Kelly’s injury has much to do with that,” Ainge said, per Mike Petraglia of WEEI.com.
As it stands, it's unclear if Lee can contribute. He's appeared in only 79 games over the last two seasons and has seen Golden State and Boston give up on him. There will be some who quickly cite that Lee is just two years removed from averaging 18.2 points, but that's not the player who showed up in Boston.
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