The Dallas Mavericks remained quiet during the trade deadline deciding not to move any players. That is, however, until the Boston Celtics bought out PF David Lee’s contract and the Mavericks are expected to sign Lee to a prorated room exception $2.1 million deal. Lee, a two-time All-Star, was a disappointing acquisition for the Celtics, only playing 30 games and averaging 7 points and 4 rebounds while battling through injuries. It did not take long for Dallas to sign the 10-year veteran out of Florida, which shows just how eager Dallas was to bring Lee to the Mavericks.

David Lee is not a household name in the NBA, but he is a talented player that helped lead the Warriors to the NBA Finals just last year. For those who have no idea who David Lee is, he played with the Knicks for 5 years, his best season there he averaged 20 points. Lee became the best player in New York which may have more to say about the Knicks than it does about Lee. In the summer of 2010 the Golden State Warriors signed Lee to a 5-year deal. In Golden State, Lee was a steady force offensively for the Warriors. He never averaged less than 16 points for the Warriors in his first four seasons. As his teammate Stephen Curry began to rise in the NBA, Lee’s involvement in the offense decreased to a complimentary role. As the talent in Golden State developed, Lee became the odd man out. From there he headed from West to East coast and signed with the Boston Celtics. Day one Lee started center for Boston and it appeared to be a match made in heaven with Lee adding great passing ability, rebounding and a veteran presence to a young roster. But Lee’s time in Boston went sour quickly as he was replaced by Jared Sullinger. “Everything doesn’t always work out the way you want it to,” Lee said. “Just disappointing for the fact that I wanted to come here and make a major impact, and that didn’t happen for one reason or another.” He only appeared in one of the Celtics’ last 21 games. The Celtics worked diligently in order to trade Lee but his $15 million expiring contract was too big of an obstacle for other teams. The Celtics bought out his contract and the Dallas Mavericks picked up Lee with no hesitation.

For whatever reason David Lee did not mesh well in Boston, but that doesn’t mean he cannot in Dallas. Lee will provide extra depth at either power forward or center. He is a savvy rebounder, almost like Zaza Pachulia, although his offensive game is more like Pau Gasol. He is a solid pick and roll player, but is a below average defender, also like Gasol. In-game I can imagine him fitting into a full offensive lineup with Williams, Felton, Parsons and Powell. With Powell’s ability to cut to the basket at just the right time and Lee’s passing ability it could provide a scoring boost off the bench. If Dallas wants to go small, just place Lee at center and Parsons at power forward with three guards.

This is a no risk situation for Dallas; they get a talented player that works well under a complimentary role. At $2.1 million for the rest of the season, Dallas receives a great deal on a player that will almost certainly enhance the level of play in Big D. Hopefully he will bring a spark. I am grateful for a GM in Donnie Nelson that is not afraid to bring a veteran like Lee mid-season.