The Warriors have agreed to a sign-and-trade deal with the New York Knicks in which the Warriors obtain David Lee while sending Anthony Randolph, Ronny Turiaf and Kelenna Azubuike to the Knicks.  As part of the deal, the Warriors have signed David Lee to a six year contract worth an estimated $80 million dollars.

With the acquisition of Lee, the Warriors believe they’ve solved their long standing hole at the power forward position as Lee was an All-Star last season while putting up 20/10 every night.  The addition of Lee also strengthens the Warriors on the backboards as they’ve been one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA over the few seasons and pairing Lee with Andris Biedrins gives the Warriors a formidable front-line.  Stephen Curry will love playing with David Lee as Lee is one of the better big-men in the league in the pick and roll and having a point guard like Curry to get him the ball will allow Lee to continue to put up big numbers in Golden State.

The deal is one which will be heavily scrutinized as the Warriors shipped out one of their best young prospects in Anthony Randolph.  Randolph has had an up and down beginning to his career as he’s struggled to earn consistent minutes under coach Don Nelson who never seemed to see eye to eye with Randolph.  Randolph was a fan favorite in Golden State as his unique skill-set and size gave Warrior fans’ hope for a potentially homegrown superstar.  Randolph had the knack of  impressing you one minute and leaving you scratching your head the next; but no one could ever question his passion for the game and desire to get better.  It’ll be interesting to see how Randolph’s career pans out in New York and if years from now we sit back and add Randolph to the list of great players the Warriors dealt away.

3 Responses

  3. Dish

    I remember reading an article where Randolph salivated about playing in the playoffs. I’m glad he can recognize his dreams with the Knicks.