The Toronto Raptors could be the possible destination for David Lee once the Boston Celtics buy out his $15.4 million contract.
The Celtics reportedly plan to buy out Lee's contract after missing out on trading the All-Star forward at the trade deadline. Mark Murphy of the Boston Herald tweeted that the Celtics should complete the buyout this week for Lee, who has fell out of the team's rotation and received DNP-CDs in their last 18 games.
WEEI's Green Street also added that Celtics general manager Danny Ainge will sit with Lee and his representatives to talk about the possible buyout that could enable the 11-year veteran to join another NBA team. "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 is averaging a career-low 7.1 points and 4.3 rebounds in 30 games this season, has always been open for a possible trade to a team where he could play more minutes. The 32-year-old will have a chance to fulfill that once he is available to join NBA rivals possibly for a veteran's minimum of $1.4 million, and possible destination for Lee is the Raptors, who was reportedly looking for frontcourt help in the trading season. Toronto was looking for an upgrade at the power forward position, having been linked to Brooklyn Nets forward Thaddeus Young, as tweeted by Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today Sports.
But the Raptors stood pat at the deadline, electing to not change their core roster despite injuries from key players like James Johnson and DeMarre Carroll. However, there is no real timetable yet for Carroll's return from a knee surgery, which means the Raptors could use a little help filling that void.
With Lee available at such considerable price, the Raptors could take advantage of adding another big man, who could help them down the stretch and bring playoff experience to the team.
However, Eric Koreen of the National Post Sports does not think bringing in Lee could drastically improve the team as the Celtics forward is unlikely to solve the team's defensive issue at the PF spot.
Even with missing pieces in their rotation, the Raptors managed to keep hold of the second spot in the East with a 35-17 record. While Lee may be a quality addition, his role would probably remain the same once Carroll gets back from injury.