The Warriors and Knicks have agreed in principle to a sign-and-trade deal that would send power forward David Lee to Golden State for Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike, multiple sources confirmed on Thursday.
According to one source, the terms of Lee’s contract have been agreed to, the paperwork has been completed and all that’s needed are the pertinent signatures.
Oh, and one other thing: LeBron James needs to make it official tonight that he’s not signing with the Knicks. At this point, indications are that he won’t. But the Knicks want to make sure.
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Should James pull a late surprise and choose New York, the Knicks would have to renounce the rights to Lee, which would make him an unrestricted free agent.
That would kill the sign-and-trade for Lee. However, if James announces he will play for Cleveland, Miami or any team other than the Knicks, then the Warriors have a deal, according to the sources.
A deal that would be completed by the end of today.
The Knicks still have myriad options regarding free agency in general and Lee in particular, and there remains a touch of uncertainty on their end. But the Warriors’ front office, including owner Chris Cohan, has green-lighted the deal and is only waiting for New York’s approval.
Lee’s deal would be for six seasons with an average salary of approximately $13 million, according to a source. The total package is said to be just under $80 million.
The price for Lee won’t just come in terms of dollars. The Warriors also must part with Anthony Randolph, a 20-year-old with plenty of potential. But what the Warriors get in Lee is more of a finished product, and a player who was an NBA All-Star in 2010.
The Warriors haven’t had an all-star since 1997.
Lee, who averaged 20.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game last year for the Knicks, drew interest from several teams, including the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns and New Jersey Nets.
Read more: Agreement in Place Between David Lee, Warriors
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