NBA Trade Rumors 2016: After Boston Blow Off, David Lee Working Something Out with Dallas
David Lee's stint with the Boston Celtics didn't last long after both parties agreed to a buyout; but the move has been a long time coming for the veteran forward, who couldn't seem to find his groove in Boston after getting released by the Golden State Warriors.
After a couple of days filled with rumors as to where he's going to play next, Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle told reporters on Sunday that his team will formally announce the signing of the 32-year-old on Monday. Since he already cleared waivers from the Celtics, he now is free to sign a contract to play for the Mavericks, a team who still has some salary cap to spare that's worth $2.1 million.
Carlisle expressed his confidence on Lee making a contribution to the team right away. "We think he can play both "big" positions, some 4 and some backup 5," the head coach said. "We believe he can help us," he added.
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Dallas missed out on the opportunity to sign a big-time frontcourt player in two occasions; one during the offseason when they almost acquired DeAndre Jordan, and the next before the Feb. 18 deadline, where the likes of Dwight Howard, Blake Griffin, and Timofey Mozgov were available. The team has been relying on Zaza Pachulia and Salah Mejri to man the paint, but both players don't have a lot of playoff experience compared to that of Lee. If the Mavericks want to make it deep this season, they need him to provide some leadership inside.
The stellar play of Dirk Nowitzki, Deron Williams, and Chandler Parsons will keep this team in good hands in the offensive perspective, but they need to make some improvements in the defensive end. Although Lee may not be an intimidating defensive presence, he sure has the nose for the ball.
Lee expects to finally get the playing time he sorely missed in the past two seasons with the Warriors and Celtics.
