What is the Ideal David Lee Trade Scenario? by Sumeet Paul

David West Would Be a Good Fit for the Warriors

David West Would Be a Good Fit for the Warriors by Segun Giwa

The Golden State Warriors may have done themselves a solid by not trading David Lee during the draft.

With free agency kicking off and teams seeing prospective free agent acquisitions going to other teams, Lee has emerged as a viable fallback option.

Source told me last week the Warriors would be able to move David Lee to a team that strikes out in free agency and… yep, seems so. — Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) July 2, 2015

The Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks were three teams that were named in reports on Thursday, linked as a possible trade partner for Lee.

The Kings, currently going through roster turmoil and having already struck out on Monta Ellis, have reportedly discussed at trade for Lee. Seeing their erratic offseason, this is not a surprise.

For the Lakers and Knicks, Lee is more of a fallback option. The Lakers have apparently already been turned down by LaMarcus Aldridge and unlikely to acquire DeMacus Cousins, while the Knicks have also had trouble with luring free agents.

Simmons says he’s hearing the #Lakers are the main team in the mix for David Lee after missing out on everyone else — 95.7 The GAME (@957thegame) July 2, 2015

If Lakers miss on their top three FA targets, they’re more likely to pursue David Lee in a trade than revisit Boogie talks — Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2015

I do know that Knicks have had discussions about reacquiring Lee. But they had to explore all FA options first. It’s a possibility. — Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) July 2, 2015

Lee is also named as a possible fallback option for the Mavericks.

Lee, 32, is a 10-year veteran who has likely played his final game with the Warriors after coming of the bench last season. He will make $15.5 million next season in the last year of his contract, and could be an asset for a team looking for a rental player who can contribute instantly (i.e. Knicks, Lakers).