The Golden State Warriors are exploring trade opportunities for All-Star forward David Lee and the three years, $44 million left on his contract, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Lee, 30, is a popular and well-respected player within the Golden State franchise but his contract is considerable, and moving him for a star – or a player on a shorter deal – makes financial sense.

Golden State offered Lee in a package for Toronto's Andrea Bargnani, sources said, but the Raptors made a deal with the New York Knicks to shed the final two years, $22.5 million on Bargnani's contract.

The Warriors tried to pry Portland's LaMarcus Aldridge as part of an offer that included Brandon Rush, league sources said. Portland has been engaging trade talks for Aldridge, but has pursued more robust offers than Golden State's proposal, sources said.

Lee had one of his best NBA seasons, averaging 18.5 points and 11.2 rebounds and making the Western Conference All-Star team. He suffered a torn hip flexor on April 20 in the playoffs and eventually had surgery to repair it on May 30.

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