The Boston Celtics were close to trading David Lee's expiring $15.5 million contract in a deadline deal.

The Celtics instead waived Lee.

“We almost had trades a few times, or thought there was a possibility,” Ainge said. “His contract was a good way for us to get into a lot of the conversations we had."

The Celtics viewed Lee as a valuable chip in a potential blockbuster trade.

Al Horford was one player with a large contract the Celtics reportedly held trade talks on.