Golden State Warriors Trade David Lee To Boston Celtics For Gerald Wallace

NBA sources say David Lee is headed back to the East Coast but he won't be playing for the Knicks or the Brooklyn Nets. This week the Golden State Warriors traded Lee to the Boston Celtics for Gerald Wallace. The deal can't officially be consummated though until a league wide moratorium on roster business is lifted.

With the trade, the Warriors shed more than $15.4 million in salary space. Now their payroll will be under $100 million if they decide to keep Wallace on the roster. If the Warriors wish, they have the option of waving Wallace and using the stretch provision on his contract. That would reduce their tax bill and force him to settle for payouts of $3.3 million over the next three seasons.

This may be the perfect opportunity for the 32-year-old Lee as he lost his starting spot earlier in the season to Draymond Green due to a hamstring injury. The hamstring injury came at a terrible time for Lee because he had a strong showing in training camp.

Green tweeted on his former teammate's departure and wished him the best of luck.

On Boston Lee will be joined by the newest free agent from the Toronto Raptors Amir Johnson. Johnson agreed to terms last week on a two-year, $24 million deal with the Celtics. Boston also inked free agents Jae Crowder and Jonas Jerebko.

In the Warriors' first championship win since 1975, Lee played in Games 3, 4 and 5. In game 3 of the series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Lee had 11 points, four rebounds and two assists in 13 minutes. In Game 4 of that series, Lee totaled nine points, five rebounds and three assists in 15 minutes.

 Want to take a moment to thank the entire Bay Area for what's been the best 5 years of my life. The journey from a 23 win team to NBA champs is one I'll never forget. Thanks to the most loyal fans in basketball for supporting me the entire way! This season's success happened because of the amazing character and chemistry from the 15 men on the roster, the front office, coaches, and staff all wanting the same thing, to win a championship. Much Love for the Bay and for the Warriors and I'm truly blessed to have been a part of it! #GSW #FullSquad

A photo posted by David Lee IG (@dlee042) on Jul 7, 2015 at 12:48pm PDT