David Lee Bids Farewell To Warriors After Trade To Celtics (Photo)

David Lee reportedly was traded to the Boston Celtics on Tuesday, concluding the forward’s five-season run with the Golden State Warriors.

Though Lee went from an All-Star in 2012-13 to a player who started just four games this past season as Golden State rolled to an NBA championship, he expressed his gratitude to the Warriors organization and fans in an Instagram post after news of the trade broke, calling his time in Oakland “the best 5 years of my life.”

Want to take a moment to thank the entire Bay Area for what's been the best 5 years of my life. The journey from a 23 win team to NBA champs is one I'll never forget. Thanks to the most loyal fans in basketball for supporting me the entire way! This season's success happened because of the amazing character and chemistry from the 15 men on the roster, the front office, coaches, and staff all wanting the same thing, to win a championship. Much Love for the Bay and for the Warriors and I'm truly blessed to have been a part of it! #GSW #FullSquad

A photo posted by David Lee IG (@dlee042) on Jul 7, 2015 at 12:48pm PDT

A number of Lee’s now-former teammates similarly took to social media to wish the big man well in Boston.

[tweet https://twitter.com/Money23Green/status/618497903863144448 align=’center’]

[tweet https://twitter.com/StephenCurry30/status/618508718905253888 align=’center’]

[tweet https://twitter.com/hbarnes/status/618514123106684928 align=’center’]

It's tough to see my big bro D Lee go, Boston gotta great player and true pro. A true vet who looked out for me and all the young guys. I'm not alone in saying this but DubNation is gonna miss u my man!

A photo posted by Klay Thompson (@klaythompson) on Jul 7, 2015 at 12:42pm PDT

As part of the trade, the Celtics reportedly parted ways with veteran forward Gerald Wallace — a strong locker-room presence but a player whose $10.1 million-per-year price tag far outweighed his on-court production.

C’s point guard Isaiah Thomas was succinct in his evaluation of the deal.

[tweet https://twitter.com/Isaiah_Thomas/status/618494855497412608 align=’center’]

Thumbnail photo via Cary Edmondson/USA TODAY Sports Images