Boston Celtics Get a Steal in David Lee

General Manager Danny Ainge has done it again. He has pulled off another trade that Celtics fans will be very pleased about. The Boston Celtics were able to trade Gerald Wallace straight up for Golden State Warriors forward David Lee. This is a monumental trade that could help the Celtics in the long-run in their rebuilding process. More importantly a TON of money is now off of the Celtics’ books and can allow the team to go after whoever they want next offseason. While I don’t believe the Celtics have any chance in landing a top-tier free agent, this at least moves them in the right direction.

The biggest part is the team has added a player that will immediately help in the rebounding department. The Celtics have been destroyed on the board for the past few years and this move will address it immediately. Not to mention that his scoring ability is underrated. From 2008-2014 he averaged no less than 16 points per game. Lee will immediately come in and be looked at as the scoring-mate to Isaiah Thomas, who has to be thrilled about this move. Taking a little of the scoring duties away from Thomas will be crucial. Plus Thomas excels at the pick-and-roll, and Lee is as serviceable as any in that kind of offense. Lee has a high IQ on where he needs to go during pick-and-roll plays (whether he needs to set a hard screen or back off to take shot). He can be versatile in passing the ball where it needs to go, or will go straight to the hoop. Thomas is known for using pick-and-rolls a lot, so Lee and him will get to know each other very well this upcoming season.

David Lee can immediately help with scoring and rebounding David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

It wasn’t until this past season where his averages dipped, which is why Lee was available. Warriors coach Steve Kerr used Draymond Green as a replacement for the injured Lee. It just turned out to be the move that sparked the Warriors to win an NBA title. So Lee was looked at as “deadweight” (especially since he was the highest paid Warrior). So instead of holding onto Lee, the Warriors thought it would be best to send him to a situation where he can start, which he will get in Boston. I wrote an earlier piece about Lee moving on and how it could be the best move for him. Fans aren’t sure if he can return to his “All-Star” self, but taking a chance on Lee is a low-risk/high-reward type of trade.

What some might consider the biggest win for Boston, is that Gerald Wallace’s contract is now gone. While I had no problem with Wallace as a player, his ridiculous contract was getting in Ainge’s way to make better deals. It was a constant $10 million after $10 million when he was traded to Boston. Plus Wallace wouldn’t see the floor as much due to how injury-prone his body is. Now thanks to this trade, the Celtics pick up a player who has a higher salary ($15 million), but will be much more useful on the court. Plus Lee’s contract expires after this season, so the Celtics will clear his money in cap space for the future. It’s a huge win for Boston, especially since no draft picks were exchanged in this deal.

So while Celtics fans were expecting fireworks, this move should qualify as a pleasant surprise. While it may not have the biggest impact compared to a LaMarcus Aldridge signing or Marc Gasol, it improves the Celtics and that’s all fans can ask for. Bringing in someone who can score and rebound adds a level of competence that has been missing from the team. Plus Isaiah Thomas shouldn’t feel all alone when the team needs a bucket. Great move Ainge, great move.

*All cap numbers courtesy of spotrac.com and basketball-reference.com

C.J Maffris is a Boston Celtics writer for Hardwoodhoudidni.com. He likes trades that help the Celtics cap situation. Feel free to debate with him on Twitter @SeaJayMaffris