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Knicks-Warriors David Lee Trade – July 9
Golden State Warriors Get: F/C David Lee (signed 6-year, $80 million deal with NY)
New York Knicks Get: F Anthony Randolph, F/C Ronny Turiaf, G/F Kelenna Azubuike
Why this makes sense for Golden State:
Randolph is an unproven upside guy who is loaded with talent but just never meshed well with head coach Don Nelson. Turiaf and Azubuike are average role players who are very replaceable. So for the Warriors to trade those three players for a young, underrated big guy who brings a lot to the floor; it makes sense.
Lee very quietly averaged 20 points and almost 12 boards a game on a terrible Knicks team last season. He can run the floor which fits into Nellie Ball, but also knows how to bang down low and crash the boards. Add Lee to first-round draft pick Ekpe Udoh and (GASP!!!) the Warriors actually addressed their need for players who give a damn about defense. Lee will be a valuable piece to the long-term puzzle in Golden State with Udoh, Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis.
Why this makes sense for New York:
I still don’t understand why the Knicks did not try to sign and keep Lee rather than trading him. Lee played center the past couple of seasons and could have been effective playing alongside Amare Stoudemire in Mike D’Antoni’s system. Instead, the Knicks chose to use Lee to add some needed depth across the roster. I am still surprised they did not receive a better offer though.
Randolph is the key to this deal. He has tons of skill and potential for a 6-10 combo forward, but never found a niche in Golden State. If given a chance in D’Antoni’s system, the lengthy third-year player could blossom. The problem is that the Knicks already have Amare, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler at forward so where does Randolph find the minutes and maybe more importantly, can he EARN the minutes which he failed to do with the Warriors?
Turiaf brings a hard-nosed, defensive presence inside and somebody who can play once Eddy Curry eats himself off the court. Azubuike fits in the up-tempo style of play and could possibly be the starting two guard in New York next season depending on what happens in free agency.
Winner:
MISSING
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