Knicks’ Lee headed to Warriors in sign-and-trade

[cruzg24]

NEW YORK (AP)—David Lee(notes) is headed from the New York Knicks to the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal, the All-Star forward’s agent said Thursday.

Mark Bartelstein said Lee will get a six-year, $80 million contract. The Knicks will receive forwards Anthony Randolph(notes), Kelenna Azubuike(notes) and Ronny Turiaf(notes).

Lee has been the Knicks’ most popular and productive player under coach Mike D’Antoni, but the team wouldn’t commit to signing him so it could preserve enough salary cap room to afford two maximum salary players.

The Knicks gave one of those contracts to Amare Stoudemire, who signed Thursday and plays the same position as Lee, then agreed to work on the sign-and-trade so Lee could earn a sixth year in the deal.

“There was a lot of different ways this could have gone and I needed them to help,” Bartelstein said. “They were great about it.”

Lee was likely the best free agent left on the market. He averaged 20.2 and 11.7 rebounds last season and has developed a reliable outside shot in recent years.

The Knicks could have lost him last summer, but Lee didn’t receive an offer in a market where many teams were saving money for this free agency period. But he had plenty of options this time around.

Lee spent all five years in New York, where he was respected for playing hard on losing teams.

“David loved his time in New York,” Bartelstein said. “They gave David an incredible opportunity the last few years.”

Randolph was Golden State’s first-round pick in 2008 but fell out of favor with coach Don Nelson and played only 33 games last season. Azubuike was limited to just nine games before a season-ending knee injury.

Source: yahoosports.com

 

[elcheato]

Randolph should be able to flourish with playing time.

 

[Yankees2772]

I certainly hope so, but I don't see if cheato.

David Lee is somebody who every player should model after. The Knicks did not offer him a contract this offseason, but regardless of that, agreed to the sign and trade to help out the team that he came up with. Drafted in the late first, Lee wasn't seen as much more than a minor role player. But with his hustle, and unrelenting passion to be the best player he can be, Lee has lifted himself to a near-all star level. Not many people rebound better than him, not many big men knock down the mid range jumper with ease like he does, and nobody is a player that home fans love more than David Lee. I'll miss him, what a class act.

 

[dez]

my bad double post

 

[dez]

I hope he does, I wanted Monta in the deal, but from what I hear Randolph hjas the potential to be very special, but Ive always loved DLee's heart/hustle.

Azuibuike is a sold pick up as well and we get a garbage dog in Turiaf, but still a long way away...

 

[elcheato]

I was hoping the Cavs would give it a try and try to get him with the cap space we now have. Too bad.

If Don Nelson actually tries to coach this year the Warriors will have a good team.

 

[cruzg24]

Atleast we got something out of David Lee. He will definitely be missed and who knows if Lee has reached his potential because he progressively got better every year on a bad team. Imagine what he could be with a good point guard.

 

[Yankees2772]

Turiaf is alright, but he has a two year contract (well, a 4m+ option next year) so taking him kinda sucks... Less cap room for next year.

 

[elcheato]

Sorry to say this but Rockets fans are re-rejoicing every where.. Knicks need to do a lot more to get into the playoffs.

 

[dez]

Hopefully Turiak does enough this season to warrant a higher contract offer from another team, so he can leave.

 

[cruzg24]

Cp3 here we come!!! lol, man I really want him...

 

[dez]

I wouldnt be suprised if CP3 ended up in Miami.

 

[NY King]

I like this trade for the Knicks. Randolph is a younger version of David Lee and he can only get better. I'm not sure about the other guy, but Turiaf is also a good solid pick up. Can be a good defender and pesky to other big men.

I want to see CP3 with the Knicks, but if it doesn't happen it's cool. I personally think he's going to stay with the Hornets and try and build a legacy of his own.

 

[Pugz]

i was thinking the knicks have a solid shot at having a decent record, maybe not playoff but solid. the warriors look a lot better aswell. i really like anthiny, he should beast. dlee will be nice as hell like always.

 

[$tunna]

Randolph should be able to flourish with playing time.

Agreed

 

[NY King]

Kelenna Azubuike is a pretty good scorer and with Amar'e and possibly Raymond Felton (close to a deal with the Knicks for about 7 mil). This Knick team is looking pretty solid. Thank you Donny!