David Lee
June 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors forward David Lee (10) controls the ball against the defense of Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half in game five of the NBA Finals. at Oracle Arena. REUTERS/Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors agreed to trade David Lee to the Boston Celtics for Gerald Wallace on Tuesday saving the 2015 NBA Champions from hitting luxury-taxes next season, but losing a key player who was pivotal in winning the team’s first title in 40 years. The deal will become official on Thursday when the moratorium on NBA business ends.

The two-time NBA All-star is owed $15.4 million next season in the final year of an $80 million contract he signed with the Warriors in 2010, while Wallace will earn about $10 million in 2015-2016 season. However, Wallace’s contract was signed after the most recent collective bargaining agreement, which means the Warriors can use the stretch provision to gain huge tax savings only causing the team about $3.3 million over the next three season according to reports of Oregonlive.com.

Lee was the team’s highest-paid player last season, but only averaged career-lows posting 7.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in just over 18 minutes per game. He appeared in 49 regular-season games although the all-star power forward only made four starts because of a pre-season hamstring injury. Ever since then, Lee had played behind the shadows of Draymond Green, but his acceptance of his diminished role gave way for an incredible team chemistry and led them to win the title.

"Want to take a moment to thank the entire Bay Area for what's been the best 5 years of my life. The journey from a 23 win team to NBA champs is one I'll never forget. Thanks to the most loyal fans in basketball for supporting me the entire way!” Lee posted on his Instagram as per LA Times.

"This season's success happened because of the amazing character and chemistry from the 15 men on the roster, the front office, coaches, and staff all wanting the same thing, to win a championship."

The Celtics will include Lee in a loaded frontcourt featuring newly acquired Amir Johnson, Kelly Olynyk, Jared Sullinger and Tyler Zeller. While Lee was never known for his defensive plays, the 32-year-old still remains a capable scorer and playmaker for a big man and can contribute on the offensive glass.

On the other hand, Wallace, who only played 286 minutes last season, will have to fight for his minutes in Warriors’ roster loaded with talented forwards. He averaged career-lows in his two years with Boston posting only 3.7 points and three rebounds in 90 games.

Meanwhile, Golden State retained backup point guard Leandro Barbosa after agreeing to a one-year $2.5 million deal. Warriors General Manager Bob Myers said in a statement that the team has been engaged in negotiations with Barbosa and intends to re-sign him after the NBA moratorium according to reports of Sacramento.cbslocal.com. The Brazilian blur averaged 5.0 points in 21 postseason games while shooting 34 percent from beyond the arc and played backup minutes for the Splash Brothers Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson.

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