$2,682,049 is an annual salary most people would do anything for. As an NBA player, it’s about 70% more than the veterans minimum. To David Lee, the power forward for the New York Knicks, it was a slap in the face. The qualifying offer, which restricted agents receive from their teams as a way of granting them the ability to match contracts, was expected only to be a starting point, not the final deal. Both New York and Lee’s representation realized he was likely not in the long term plans as the Knicks await the summer spending spree of 2010. But when crickts and tumbleweeds were the only noises on the free agency front, questions started to arise.

Is Lee overvaluing himself in today’s economy? This is the likely issue that has caused Lee to be uncomfortable with his current situation. Though once a high school all-american, All-SEC , and 2007 NBA T-Mobile Rookie Challenge MVP, Lee’s value seems to be minimized by the economy. Lee averaged 16 points and 11.7 rebounds per game last season, with the rebounding rate good enough for third in the league. Rebounding is such a vital aspect of the game that this would have naturally garnered attention and a large raise. Today’s NBA sadly puts more emphasis on not going over the luxury tax than winning games. Lee new he would likely not last in New York, but a sign and trade with another team seemed like a real possibility. Yet still, the market remained bare.

If this is all economics, then one would think it would limit free agency and contract extensions as a whole. The Tornto Raptors and Andrea Bargnani have agreed to a five-year, $50 million contract extension beginning in 2010-2011. The deal received by Jason Kidd pays $25 million over three years. The Trail Blazers signed Brandon Roy to a five year, $80 million dollar deal, and Andre Miller to a three year $21 millon dollar contract. Is the economy tough? Yes. Are teams willing to spend for the right player?  Does this mean David Lee is not worthy of a similar contract? The facts would seem to dictate so, but the reality is Lee has to be worth more than the minimum to the right team.

Drumroll please … and the right team is … good question. If we’re talking about sheer free agency, the Oklahoma City Thunder seemed like a perfect fit. A young, fast paced team with need for a stronger inside presence and someone to rebound and get the ball to the scorers, OKC makes nearly too much sense. On top of the need that Lee fills on paper, the Thunder are more than in the black on the balance sheet, with still over $11 million to spend before even reaching the salary cap, meaning they are not even approaching luxury tax territory. On the sign and trade front, the move that to me always made sense was Lee to Houston with either Eddy Curry or Jared Jeffries’ (awful) contract tied to it for Tracy McGrady’s expiring contract. Lee would be the hybrid center/power forward the Rockets use with Yao Ming sidelined, and could be another cog in the core alongside point guard Aaron Brooks and newly signed small forward Trevor Ariza. The sign and trade with Curry would mean Lee would net approximately $9 million a year, while with Jeffries it would be closer to $12 million. Understandably, cash considerations, trade exceptions, draft picks, or current players could be included on either end of the deal to make this work. The Rockets dilemma would be dealing with Curry or Jeffries, while gaining them an expiring trade chip with their expiring contracts in 2011.

Why doesn’t anyone like David Lee? It’s a tough question. Zero off the court issues, no personality problems. He’s a well liked teammate that has gone through the major dysfunction and rebuilding beginnings of the Knicks franchise. His relentless toil on the boards is an asset that any team who truly cares about winning should consider, and realize what Lee’s value is and could be to allow them to contend and become a contender. Perhaps an economic revival or the Knicks ownership of his Bird rights will provide Lee with a hefty contract while staying home. It’s a tough time finding work in the NBA, even at the discounted price of  $2,682,049.

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