David Clayton Lee (born April 29, 1983) is a retired American basketball athlete who dedicated 12 years to the NBA as a power forward and center. He was recognized for his rebounding proficiency, vigor, mid-range scoring capability, and robust post play. Lee was honored as an NBA All-Star on two occasions (2010, 2013) and was selected for the All-NBA Third Team in 2013. He played collegiate basketball for the Florida Gators and aided them in securing the 2005 SEC Tournament. The New York Knicks selected him 30th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft. Lee spent five seasons in New York prior to joining the Golden State Warriors in 2010.
Lee clinched an NBA championship with the Warriors in 2015. He subsequently played briefly for the Boston Celtics (2015–16), Dallas Mavericks (2016), and San Antonio Spurs (2016–17). He became a free agent in June 2017 and announced his retirement in November 2017.
Here are several essential facts concerning David Lee:
| Full Name | David Clayton Lee |
| Date of Birth | April 29, 1983 |
| Age (as of January 2026) | 42 years old |
| Height | 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m) |
| Weight (peak career) | 245 lbs (111 kg) |
| Wife | Caroline Wozniacki (married June 2019 – present) |
| Children | Daughter Olivia Wozniacki-Lee (born June 2021); son James (born October 2022) |
| Net Worth (2026 estimate) | Approximately $50–$60 million (from NBA salary, endorsements, investments, real estate, and post-retirement business ventures) |
| Career Highlights | 2× NBA All-Star (2010, 2013); All-NBA Third Team (2013); NBA Champion (2015) |
David Lee: Biography
David Lee was born on April 29, 1983, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was raised in the suburbs and attended John Burroughs School for middle school and Chaminade College Preparatory School for high school. Despite being naturally left-handed, Lee adapted to shooting right-handed after fracturing his left arm during childhood. He earned the title of McDonald’s All-American, triumphed in the 2001 McDonald’s Slam Dunk Contest, and was recognized as a first-team high school All-American by Parade magazine.
Lee attended the University of Florida under a scholarship and played under coach Billy Donovan’s Gators from 2001 to 2005. As a freshman, he was part of the All-SEC Freshman Team. During his sophomore year, he averaged 11.5 points and 7 rebounds per game. As a junior, he gained a position on the SEC second team while averaging 13 points and 7 rebounds. In his senior year, he competed alongside Al Horford, Corey Brewer, Taurean Green, and Joakim Noah. The Gators secured the 2005 SEC Tournament title, defeating Kentucky 70–53 in the final.
The New York Knicks selected Lee 30th overall in the 2005 NBA Draft, immediately following Channing Frye. He signed a contract with the team on July 1, 2005. In his inaugural season, Lee averaged 5.1 points and 4.5 rebounds, primarily as a bench player. In 2006–07, he emerged as a significant reserve, averaging 10.7 points and 10.4 rebounds. On November 30, 2008, he achieved a career-high of 37 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in a game against the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming the first Knick since Patrick Ewing in 1997 to record a 30–20 game.
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Throughout the 2009–10 season, Lee received his first All-Star selection, stepping in for the injured Allen Iverson. He reached career highs with 20.2 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. On April 2, 2010, he notched his first triple-double with 37 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists against Golden State. He became a free agent in July 2010.
In July 2010, Lee signed with the Golden State Warriors through a six-year, $80 million sign-and-trade agreement. He recorded averages of 16.5 points and 9.8 rebounds in his debut season. In 2012–13, he made his second All-Star roster, was recognized on the All-NBA Third Team, and topped the league with 56 double-doubles, averaging 18.5 points and 11.2 rebounds.
Lee held a limited position (bench player) during Golden State’s 2015 championship journey, participating in 49 regular-season games and 13 playoff games. The Warriors triumphed over the Cleveland Cavaliers in six games to secure the title. Lee received his championship ring in a ceremony on March 25, 2016, garnering a standing ovation at Oracle Arena.
On July 27, 2015, Lee was traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Gerald Wallace and Chris Babb. He started merely three games in the 2015–16 season before transitioning to the bench and subsequently out of the rotation. Boston released him on February 19, 2016.
Lee signed with the Dallas Mavericks on February 22, 2016. He averaged 8.5 points and 7 rebounds over 25 games, but was sidelined for the first two playoff games due to a foot injury.
On August 2, 2016, Lee inked a contract with the San Antonio Spurs. He participated in 79 games, starting in 10, and recorded averages of 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds. He declined his player option in June 2017 and became a free agent.
David Lee declared his retirement from professional basketball on November 19, 2017, at the age of 34.
Update
As of January 2026, David Lee is 42 and leads a serene life post-retirement, concentrating on his family, business endeavors, and making sporadic media appearances.
- He has not returned to coaching, working within a team front office, or broadcasting.
- Lee remains married to former tennis star Caroline Wozniacki, whom he wed in June 2019. They have two offspring: a daughter, Olivia (born June 2021), and a son, James (born October 2022).
- He participates in charitable events, youth basketball camps, and golf gatherings. There have been no announcements regarding new basketball ventures or a comeback in 2025 or 2026.
- Highlights from his tenure with the Knicks, Warriors, and his All-Star appearances continue to circulate online. Warriors fans perpetually celebrate his 2015 championship ring ceremony.
Age
David Lee was born on April 29, 1983. He is 42 years of age as of January 2026.
Stats
David Lee participated in 12 NBA seasons (2005–2017) across five teams. Career regular-season averages:
- Points per game (PPG): 13.5
- Rebounds per game (RPG): 8.8
- Assists per game (APG): 2.2
- Field goal % (FG%): 53.5%
- Free throw % (FT%): 77.2%
- Games played (GP): 829 (505 starts)
- Minutes per game (MPG): 29.3
Career peaks: 20.2 PPG (2009–10), 11.7 RPG (2008–09 & 2009–10), 3.6 APG (2009–10).
All-Star selections: 2 (2010, 2013)
All-NBA: Third Team (2013)
NBA Championship: 1 (2015 with Golden State Warriors)
Height
David Lee stands 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall. His stature, combined with his athletic abilities, rebounding instincts, and mid-range scoring talent, established him as one of the most impactful power forwards/centers of the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Net Worth
As of January 2026, David Lee’s net worth is approximated at $50–$60 million (USD).
