Fansided

Spurs signing David Lee to two-year deal

By Jack Senboutharath

Apr 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward David Lee (42) celebrates during the first half against the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward David Lee (42) celebrates during the first half against the Houston Rockets at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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David Lee has decided to leave the Dallas Mavericks in order to sign with the San Antonio Spurs as the man that will replace Tim Duncan in the rotation.

Lee was once an important member of the Golden State Warriors. That was before head coach Steve Kerr decided to play with a smaller lineup, a move that enabled the franchise to win an NBA Championship for the first time since 1975.

Rather than becoming a distraction and making things about himself, Lee earned praise from people around the NBA by being a professional. He kept working hard and refused to make jaded comments about the situation.

Once the NBA Championship was in hand and the season was over, the Warriors front office did the right thing and tried to find a suitable situation for Lee. The former Florida Gators star was sent to the Boston Celtics in a trade.

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Things did not work out all that well with the Celtics. Head coach Brad Stevens decided to go in a different direction, so Lee found himself being removed from the rotation. To enable the veteran to find a new home before the NBA Playoffs, Boston waived Lee in February.

At that point, Lee became a hot commodity in the NBA, as teams are always looking to strengthen their roster before the playoffs begin. The 33-year-old spent a couple of days looking around at options before deciding that the Mavericks were the best choice.

Lee quickly became a fan favorite in Dallas by providing a spark off the bench. He seemed like a very good fit with Dirk Nowitzki. The Mavericks were said to be interested in continuing the relationship.

Once the season ended, Duncan decided to walk away from the NBA. He did it rather quietly, just as everyone expected he would do some day. That left an opening in the Spurs front court, one that will now be led by LaMarcus Aldridge.

Thanks to a solid reputation as a great franchise, San Antonio was able to lure Pau Gasol away from the Chicago Bulls. The 6-foot-11 center can help alleviate the loss of Duncan.

To add further depth, the Spurs decided to add another veteran big man. That is where Lee comes in.

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