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Now that the preamble has been handled, let’s get to the topic of the day: What are your thoughts on the trade that sent Lance Stephenson to the Clippers in exchange for Spencer Hawes and Matt Barnes? Can Stephenson regain his status as a nightly triple-double threat under coach Doc Rivers? Will Hawes effectively replace what Charlotte was missing last season thanks to the departure of Josh McRoberts? What does this mean for both franchises’ playoff hopes? Take to the comments section below to share your thoughts on the subject. We look forward to what you have to say.
I agreed with everything about this deal for LAC. Low risk, high reward. Worst case scenario, Lance and Clips part ways following next season and Clips have and an expiring contract coming off the books. Additionally, I think Jamal is the next domino to fall and should happen before his contract becomes fully guaranteed, although Jamal at 5 million isn’t the worst deal in the world either. Should be able to get some kind of back-up big man. Last piece is to use the MMLE on a guy like Gerald Green. Need Pierce to sign for the minimum which isn’t too much of a difference anyways because of his service time.
What kind of impact do you see Stephenson having on the Clippers’ team chemistry?
Can’t see Pierce signing for the minimum. He’s got a player option for 5x that, so I think the biggest discount he’d take from LAC is their mini-mLE. He’s good enough that he won’t play for “free” for them.
Agreed. That taxpayer’s mid-level would be the right salary fit for him if he were to go to the Clippers, and I think that if he does turn down the option, there would be several other intriguing options for more than the minimum, at least.
What kind of return could Charlotte expect for Barnes if they tried to trade rather than waive him? If there is indeed a talent drop off after the 20th or so pick, would a team like Memphis or Brooklyn trade their first rounder for him?
I seriously doubt any team would give up a first-rounder for Barnes. Especially when there is a better than average chance it could simply ink him as a free agent when/if he was waived. Also, while Barnes would fit in well with Memphis’ style of gritty ball, that team badly needs a shooter who can stretch the floor at the three spot. Barnes wouldn’t address that need. The Raptors are a team who could certainly benefit from his tough defense though…
I thought I read somewhere that the Clippers can’t pick him back up after he’s waived. Is that true? If so that’s too bad–he’s a really useful player in that rotation.
Per league rules, the Clippers can’t re-sign Barnes for a year after the trade. The earliest that he could sign with the Clippers is June 15, 2016.
Didn’t sound like Doc was too enamored with him to begin with…
Should be interesting to see how they replace Barnes on the wing, assuming Stephenson is used as the playmaker off the bench that they need. I personally expect Lance to turn it back around, so this is a good move for the Clippers. I don’t see him shooting that poorly moving forward. They do still need a 3 and D wing player and a backup big that can protect the rim, but they obviously don’t really have any assets or cap space to do anything. They’ll have to hope to get guys at the minimum to fill those spots
As for Charlotte, I guess they add some shooting, but I’m having a difficult time seeing the exact fit for Hawes, unless they look to trade one or 2 of their young bigs. They do save money, so I guess there is that. They still need to add shooting on the wing (which Barnes can technically be of help to if he is retained), and they need to figure out what they’re going to do in their power rotation. Its unfortunate that it didnt work out with Stephenson. I really thought that seemed like a good fit for him. They kind of have a somewhat similar player in PJ Hairston, so they probably dont feel too bad about moving him, unless he shows what he is capable of doing with the Clippers. i’m assuming they’ll draft Devon Booker with that #9 pick
Booker is who I have the Hornets selecting…even before the Stephenson deal.
As a Heat fan, I’m kind of disappointed about that
If it;s any consolation, I won’t be the one making the call on June 25th. So I’m saying that there’s still a chance….
Charlotte has desperately needed shooting for a few years…I think I’d be pretty surprised if they dont take Booker
Not sure I like this deal for the clippers. Lance needed the ball to be effective on offense and that’s taking it away from cp3 and we all seem how bad of a shooter he was this season. Hornets were desperate it seems to get rid of lance clippers should have asked for a young player in return
I completely agree with your point about Stephenson being a ball-dominator on offense. But since this deal was more about the Hornets wanting to cut ties with Stephenson, much more so than any desire to add Hawes, I don’t think L.A. had much room to negotiate here.
I think that a Rivers/Stephenson backup backcourt isn’t too bad of a combo considering their financial restrictions. I figure Rivers will be back for the max they can give him (value of his declined option).
I think Austin Rivers will actually wind up back at less than that declined option figure. I’m not sure anyone else would pay him in excess of $3MM.
I think that is definitely more than fair to say if he continues to shoot at the percentage he shot last season.
I think that this was a deal that Rivers and the Clippers had to take. A chance to add a still-young fireplug like Stephenson AND get out from the Hawes contract? And, even if Stephenson flames out, you can simply decline the team option a year from now and walk away? If the only added cost to that arrangement is giving up Matt Barnes, I’m taking it.
I understand why the Clips would do this trade, but it still seems stale to me. If the reports are true that the Clips locker room is divided (DeAndre v CP3), and guys don’t like Paul yelling at them, then I think Stephenson (who is very mercurial and immature) is a terrible locker room fit. I also don’t think this move makes Clips substantially better, where we’re talking about them making a deep playoff run. LA’s biggest downfall this past year was their lack of depth, so a 2-for-1 deal that doesn’t open up cap room to chase free agents isn’t solving that problem. Assuming, DAJ resigns, I think the Clips are doomed for another early playoff exit, and Lance will be on his way after. Good move for the Hornets IMO; they got as much as they probably could out of a Stephenson trade.
The chemistry issue is obviously the big risk here. But I think it’s one the Clippers had to take. They didn’t have a lot of other options with their cap situation.
Good trade for both sides. Charlotte needs a home run at the two if they’re to be anything but middling. Take a chance on Kelly Oubre’s upside. Booker and Hezonja are safe picks, unless you like defense with your three point shooting. Both have the athleticism to defend, but don’t. Booker is more willing than Hezonja, granted. Oubre’s steals, blocks and rebounds are very good for his limited minutes.