The Philadelphia Phillies are willing to pay down a portion of Cliff Lee's contract to facilitate a trade, especially if the right prospects are involved.

Lee is the highest-paid player in baseball through next year in terms of guaranteed money ($48 million).

Philadelphia is also willing to pay down portions of the contracts of Jonathan Papelbon and Ryan Howard.

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been linked to Lee and a trade in August is still likely as the expectation is that Lee would clear waivers.