Celtics Planning To Trade, Buy Out David Lee By Trade Deadline

According to Bleacher Report's Howard Beck, the Boston Celtics are planning to find a trade partner for disgruntled forward David Lee prior to the NBA's February 18 trade deadline.

The report comes after Lee's role on the team has been significantly decreased recently. After being acquired in a deal with the defending league champion Golden State Warriors this off season, Lee started the season as a starter.

Expecting that he would bring leadership and quality play in the paint to a young and slightly undersized team, Lee's inability to play quality defense and knock down shots cost him playing time in head coach Brad Stevens' system.

While the veteran hasn't publicly said that he wants to be traded, it appears that a string of games in which the big man was a healthy scratch doesn't bode well for his future with the club.

With the team looking for an impact big man and a late game scorer, Lee will most likely be dealt by the deadline. Celtics' President of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge, who has been playfully referred to as "Trader Danny" in recent years, will probably be able to package Lee in a deal for another young controllable piece to add to Boston's youthful line up.

In 50 games this season for the team, the tenth year pro has played in just 30 and made only four starts. Playing just under 16 minutes a game, Lee has averaged 7.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists on the season.