Veteran Lee, Celtics talking buyout, Ainge says

SALT LAKE CITY -- Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said he plans to sit down with representatives for veteran big man David Lee within the next 48 hours and a buyout could soon be reached to end Lee's brief tenure in green.

Unable to move Lee's bulky contract while sitting idle at Thursday's trade deadline, Ainge acknowledged he'd work with Lee. The buyout has been long expected and should allow the 11th-year veteran to latch on with a team for the stretch run.

If Lee's buyout is finalized before March 1, he will be playoff-eligible for any team he signs with. After being traded away by the Warriors in July, Lee is unable to sign with Golden State until next…