Could David Lee be back in a New York Knicks uniform? The Golden State Warriors are willing to part ways with forwards David Lee and Harrison Barnes in exchange for New York Knicks’ Tyson Chandler.
The Warriors are aiming to shed off David Lee’s two-year, $30 million contract. Tyson Chandler has one year remaining on his contract worth just under $15 million. This trade would dispose about $3 million off Golden State’s salary cap for the upcoming season, and Chandler’s expiring contract would grant the Warriors with plenty of cap space for the 2015 off-season, which would allow them to pursue a superstar.
This would be a levelheaded trade financially for Warriors general manager Bob Myers. However, this trade wouldn’t do much for the Warriors in the short term. Chandler is a defensive anchor, but he won’t be able to place the Warriors on top in a resilient western conference.
The Warriors are currently at about $65 million for the 2014-15 season. Therefore, this move wouldn’t give them the financial flexibility to lure a player like LeBron James this summer.
In addition, the Warriors would be losing a power forward who’s an underrated passer and all-around offensive player, as well as a young, talented wingman who is a compelling mid-range shooter. Chandler, 31, is a very limited offensive player.
David Lee has been tremendously unappreciated by the Warriors fan base, even though he posted 18.2 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this past season. Alternatively, Tyson Chandler’s numbers dropped slightly as he averaged 8.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Nonetheless, in the near future, this may be a sensible trade for the Warriors as they would create cap space for 2015, but it won’t abet them in the immediate future.