By: Tyler Ward
The Warriors and Knicks have agreed in principle to a trade that would send PF David Lee to Golden State. In exchange for Lee, the Knicks will receive Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf, Kelenna Azubuike, and possibly a second round pick.
According to a source, everything has been finalized for the trade - all that is needed is everyone's signatures on the paperwork. The Warriors and Lee have reportedly agreed to a six year contract worth about $80 million.
Another thing that needs to become official is LeBron James not signing with the Knicks. This is the only thing that will dismantle the trade. If James surprisingly announces that he will sign with New York, the Knicks would have to renounce the rights to Lee, making him an unrestricted free agent. It is unlikely that James will go to New York, so this deal is pretty much done.
The Warriors will, however, have to part with young forward, Anthony Randolph. He was taken 14th overall in the 2008 draft by Golden State, and is expected to play good minutes at one of the forward positions. The Knicks already have young talent at the forward position with Wilson Chandler and Danilo Gallinari. Not to mention, he will be joining recent acquisition, Amare Stoudemire, in New York to form a formidable frontcourt. Randolph is scheduled to make just a little under $2 million this year. Through Randolph's first two seasons, he has played somewhat sparingly. He has started a total of 30 games and has only played in an average of a little under 20 minutes in his first couple of seasons. He has posted career averages of 9.2 points and 6 rebounds. Turiaf and Azubuike will likely get some minutes off the bench, but will not be put into starting roles.
This is also a very good deal for the Warriors. Lee made the Eastern Conference All-Star team last year and brings a solid 20-10 game to the pacific. Golden State hasn't had an all-star since 1997, so bringing in Lee was an excellent decision. With a trio of Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, and Lee, the Warriors are expected to make some noise in the Pacific division.
Lee has drawn interest from the Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, and New Jersey Nets, but it looks like he is headed to Golden State.
