I think Lee has a tough decision on his hands. I am sure teams like Phoenix are offering more money. But they clearly aren't offering what he thinks he is worth, or he would have already signed. The C's, on the other hand, can't offer that much money, but they can offer a rotation spot (and perhaps even starting spot) on a high profile team, with a PG who can get him the ball exactly where he likes it.
So, he has to decide whether he wants cash in now, or take a chance that a good year with the C's will get him the money he really thinks he deserves next summer (see Posey, James).
I don't know which way he will go, but I think this is why it is taking so long.
This might be what the Cs are trying to sell to Lee and his agent. Take the $1.9m discounted salary this season, flourish here next to Rondo as a starter on a team where a fossilized Ray Allen was able to shoot 40% from three, and you'll scare up at least a 4 year MLE deal next summer, and maybe something like 4/$32 if you really flourish.
If he's being offered deals like 4/$15m from non-contenders, Lee might be convinced to take the one year deal. If I've only made $6m in my career, I'd take the guaranteed $15m, but some people would take the chance for the biggest deal.
If there's a MLE deal out there for Lee, Ainge is going to have to pony up to Morey. Since the Cs decided to go for a title this year, and since a young backcourt of Rondo, AB, and Lee for around $19m is quite a bargain, I'd give the first round pick to get him.
I expect Lee to be in the Celtics' fold by the weekend. They're probably just horsetrading with Morey over the pick that's going over with the Purdonts and Williams. Ainge wants to send a 2 and Morey rightfully wants a 1.
Morey has the edge here, because we desperately need a SG like Lee, and the Rockets have nothing to lose in not agreeing to a sign and trade unless they get a 1st.
Not really, if Lee has a similar money offer from a team with cap space or the MLE and Morey scares off the C's then he gets nothing.
If Morey was truly frightened about Lee walking and receiving nothing, he would have extended a QO and kept him as a RFA. He'll let him walk if his price isn't met. Boston has crap to offer him besides picks. Houston has a gazillion guys at JJJ's position (if he even has one in the NBA).