NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers Interested in Courtney Lee

According to Ian Begley and Ramona Shelburne of ESPN, the Clippers have contacted the New York Knicks about shooting guard Courtney Lee. The report states that the Knicks want draft picks, although because the Clippers have none to offer, they may have to settle for a player or work a three-team deal.

The Knicks like Austin Rivers—enough that he was the centerpiece of a package they were considering for Carmelo Anthony—but it would be a questionable move for the Clippers to trade their youngest contributor for a 31-year-old at the same position.

Courtney Lee is a strong 3-and-D guard (a 39% career shooter from deep who is up at 42% this season), but he doesn’t quite have the size to play small forward. That said, Doc Rivers loves three-guard lineups and has used Austin Rivers at the SF position this season, so Lee would probably fit into that role. The other advantage for Lee is his contract. He is owed about $37 million over the next 3 years, which is a decent long-term rate to lock in a starting-caliber guard. With J.J. Redick expiring (and likely to fetch $16-20 million a year) and Austin Rivers only having one more season guaranteed, Lee would provide the Clippers with some long-term stability at the position.

The Clippers could also try for a Jamal Crawford-Courtney Lee swap, although the Knicks’ interest in Crawford should be questioned. If it’s a straight salary dump, Crawford does have two fewer years remaining on his deal than Lee.