The Boston Celtics waived forward David Lee on Feb. 19.
According to the Associated Press, Lee was waived one day after Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge hinted that the Celtics might buyout the $15.4 million that’s left on Lee’s contract. It shouldn’t be long before Lee is signed with another team, since the Dallas Mavericks are the leading candidate to sign Lee. Lee will sign with the Mavericks for the prorated NBA room exception of $21 million after he clears waivers on Sunday, Yahoo Sports reports. The Mavericks are deciding which player could be waived to make room on the roster of Lee.
"Everything doesn't always work out the way you want it to," Lee said. "Just disappointing for 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've been before I've been able to make that impact. It is what it is. Once again, this is a business for both sides of this, and I know they don't have any bad feeling toward me, and vice versa.”
In a statement Ainge thanked Lee for his contributions to the organization and wished him the best in the future.
Lee is in his eleventh season in the NBA. He was traded to the Celtics by the Golden State Warriors last July. This season he has averaged 7.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 30 games, according to ESPN. Lee has averaged 14.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in his career.
The Celtics are 32-23 and are in third place in the Eastern Conference. The Mavericks are 29-27 and are in sixth place in the Western Conference.