Courtney Lee Traded To The Boston Celtics In Return For JaJuan Johnson

The Boston Celtics acquired Courtney Lee Thursday afternoon in a sign-and-trade deal that sent JaJuan Johnson to the Houston Rockets to join Jeremy Lin. Since Lee was seeking $5 million in salary, the Celtics had to convince the Rockets to take a package of draft picks along with second-year forward Johnson in return for him. The deal was first reported by Yahoo! Sports.

Comcast reports that the deal is still being finalized by the NBA and supposedly includes a second-round pick to be sent to the Rockets with Johnson.

The burden of Ray Allen's departure continues to lessen for the franchise and its fans. Lee has played for four years in the league, spending time with the Orlando Magic and New Jersey Nets before being traded to the Rockets in August of 2010.

In each of his four seasons he's shot at least 40 percent from the 3-point range and has generally been a 10-point per game player despite the fact he has split time as a starter and reserve. Lee's ability and past performance make him an important Piece for the Celtics, who have shown they need an upgrade in perimeter depth.

The Boston Globe is reporting Lee had dinner with Celtics coach Doc Rivers earlier this month and stated his wish to play for the Celtics if the price was right for both parties. Terms of the deal Lee signed before being dealt were not disclosed, according to Sports Illustrated.

It's expected Jason Terry will continue in the sixth man role he excelled with while playing with the Mavericks.

Despite being a good defender while averaging 11.4 points per game with the Rockets Lee has been criticized for his slow development process. As many as eight teams were rumored to be interested in the guard, but Lee recently told media he loved the idea of playing with the Celtics.

I want to win, he said last week. Everybody knows their record and what they've accomplished over the years, especially with Doc and KG and Paul, Rondo's still there. That's a team I feel will win and continue to win. That's one factor in the decision.