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Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Warriors Close To Sign-And-Trade For Lee

By: Tyler Ward

The Golden State Warriors are close to completing a sign-and-trade deal with the New York Knicks for coveted forward, David Lee. However, the Knicks wouldn't get Monta Ellis like previously rumored - instead, they'd get young forward Anthony Randolph.

There are rumors that Randolph can be packaged with Ronny Turiaf or Kelenna Azubuike and an expiring contract like Vladimir Radmanovic. The Warriors, however, would not sign Lee to a max deal, but his contract would start at somewhere around $13 million in his first season. There have been reports that Lee has expressed interest in joining the Minnesota Timberwolves or New Jersey Nets.

The Knicks and Warriors, like everyone else, is awaiting LeBron's decision Thursday night before they make any deals. A source said that as long as James doesn't go to the Knicks, the Warriors are still in contention to complete the sign-and-trade for Lee. But, Lee can still very well go to another team like the Nets or Timberwolves to sign a bigger contract or New York could go to another team via sign-and-trade.

Golden State is hoping they can form a solid team around Lee, Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, and Andris Biedrins. After a dissapointing season last year, they could make a good regular season run and possibly return to the postseason for the first time in a few years.

David Lee made the Eastern Conference All-Star team last year and averaged 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game during the regular season.