Robb: David Lee Buyout Now Imminent After Celtics Made No Trades At Deadline
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Celtics did not make any moves at the trade deadline, but it appears they are ready to make a change to their roster in the coming days.
Veteran forward David Lee has not seen court time for Boston in more than a month. Danny Ainge was likely shopping the 31-year-old and his $15 million dollar expiring contract as part of a bigger trade package at the deadline, but failed to pull the trigger on such a move.
With no real purpose for Lee and his deal remaining on the roster, Ainge acknowledged to reporters Thursday that he would be speaking with Lee and his representatives about a potential buyout in the days to come.
The 11-year NBA veteran responded to the situation as the Celtics practiced in Utah ahead of Friday's game.
"I've kind of seen the writing on the wall with what's going on the last month," Lee told reporters in Utah. "But once again, this is a business. We all know that. I want to be in a place where I'm successful and where I'm wanted. The Celtics are a great group of people here. I have absolutely zero negative things to say about my coaching staff and teammates, who, obviously as you know, I get along well with. So we'll just see how things develop over the next 24 or 48 hours here, but it's looking like something's most likely going to happen [with the buyout]."
Lee has played for the Celtics in 30 games this season, but is shooting a career-low 45.3 percent from the field. His 7.1 points per game is the second lowest total in a season for his career as well. Ever since Brad Stevens elected to pull the plug on Lee in the Celtics rotation on Jan. 10, Boston has thrived, winning 13 of their past 17 games overall.
"Everything doesn't always work out the way you want it to," Lee added. "I'm just disappointed from the fact that I wanted to come here and make a major impact. And that didn't happen for one reason or another. The last two places I had been before I may have been able to make that impact. It is what it is."
Brian Robb covers the Celtics for CBS Boston and contributes to NBA.com, among other media outlets. You can follow him on Twitter@CelticsHub.
