Recently-minted champion David Lee has become a sought-after player following the All-Star power forward's announcement that he is planning to leave the Golden State Warriors this offseason because of playing time issues. Apparently, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, both big-market teams and losers in the current free-agency buying period, are interested in acquiring Lee's services.

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While the former Florida Gator said that exiting the Warriors would be very hard on his part, his seeming incompatibility with Steve Kerr's schemes relegated him to the bench last season and he does not want that to happen again next time.

At 32 years old, Lee is still deemed as a double-double player if given enough playing time, something that Kerr and the Warriors could no longer provide with the emergence of young frontcourt players Draymond Green, Harrison Barnes, and Festus Ezeli who fit perfectly in their system.

Another reason for Golden State's approval to part ways with the two-time All-Star and team's former main man is his huge salary. Lee is owed $15.5 million next year, which is the last year of his six-year contract with the Warriors signed in 2010. The team reportedly wants to save on luxury tax, as per RealGM, as they have recently given Green a five-year, $85 million contract.

According to CSN Bay Area, the Lakers and Knicks emerged as the prime candidates to acquire Lee this summer.

The report said that Phil Jackson and his team have already discussed re-acquiring the 6-foot-9 power forward, who spent his first five seasons in the league at the Big Apple. Reports said that New York would still have cap space to absorb Lee's contract even after signing Arron Afflalo and Robin Lopez.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are also said to be keen on getting Lee as they missed out on their top big man free agent targets LaMarcus Aldridge, Kevin Love, DeAndre Jordan, and Greg Monroe.

SB Nation reported that trading for Lee "seems less likely now" for the rebuilding Lakers as the team has reached a deal with Pacers' big man Roy Hibbert. The addition of Hibbert clearly boosts the Lakers frontline bannered only by sophomore Julius Randle and some low-tier players. The team could still use Lee to further improve their frontcourt, but they may have to give up quality role players such as Nick Young and Jordan Hill to acquire him.

TagsNBA 2015, NBA news, NBA News 2015, NBA rumors, NBA Rumors 2015, NBA Trade Rumors, NBA trade rumors 2015, david lee, Los Angeles Lakers