NBA news: Celtics to buy out David Lee after trade deadline dud
David Lee could still find himself playing for another team after the trade deadline, with reports confirming that the Boston Celtics are planning to buy out his contract at the end of the week.
The Celtics did not trade Lee at the deadline as many have been expecting, but the All-Star forward could still be a goner as Boston plans to buy out his $15.49 million contract, according to Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald.
Davids Lee's buyout should be completed by tomorrow, according to source.
— Mark Murphy (@Murf56) February 19, 2016
Lee fell out of the Celtics’ rotation last month and has stayed put on the bench in Boston’s last 18 games. According to WEEI’s Green Street, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge will discuss with Lee and his representatives in the next “24-48 hours” about the possible buyout.
“We’ll sit down with David and his representatives and have some conversation about what’s best for us and what’s best for David in the next 24-to-48 hours,” Ainge said.
Lee, who was acquired by the Celtics via trade with the Golden State Warriors in the summer, has been linked to trade talks in the last few weeks, but no such deal materialised at the deadline. The 11-year veteran insisted that he wants to play and contribute for a team, insisting that he still has plenty left in the tank to do so.
"Everything doesn't always work out the way you want it to," Lee said, reports Mass Live. "Just disappointed from the fact that I wanted to come here and make a major impact. And that didn't happen for one reason or another.”
Lee is averaging a career-low 7.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 30 games this season. He was an essential part of Warriors’ NBA Finals run last year albeit in a very limited capacity. If the buyout succeeds, Lee could join a team that has a serious chance of contending for a title.
David Lee did not practice with #Celtics today as he is waiting for a potential buyout. His time in Boston is near the end.
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) February 18, 2016