The Los Angeles Clippers just started to boost their lineup this offseason after sending veterans forward Matt Barnes and center Spencer Hawes to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for guard Lance Stephenson.
The Clippers had a great run last season reaching the second-round of the playoffs and were in the verge of advancing in the conference finals until the Houston Rockets erased a 3-2 series deficit to advance and be eliminated by eventual champions the Golden State Warriors.
Now the team starts their offseason with a trade deal acquiring Stephenson who played less efficiently for the Hornets in 75 games last season.
The 24-year-old had a great run with the Indiana Pacers but was unhappy with the contract they offered to him so he decided to be with the Hornets before the start of the 2014-15 season.
Stephenson inked a three-year, $27 million deal with the Hornets with a team option during the final year.
Unfortunately, Charlotte did not get the Stephenson they wanted as his numbers went down only averaging 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
Now the Clippers are hoping he will return to his Pacers-form and help them most especially in defense.
Hornets general manager Rich Cho thanked Stephenson in a release saying, "We'd like to thank Lance for his contributions last season. He was a consummate professional during his time with us."
Cho also said that the Hornets are happy to welcome two veteran players in Barnes and Hawes.
"We are pleased to add a pair of proven veterans to our team. Spencer Hawes is an experienced big man whose outside shooting gives us additional flexibility on offense. Matt Barnes is an experienced veteran who knows the NBA."
Barnes played huge for the Clippers last season especially during the playoffs and will definitely contribute veteran leadership to the team.
Meanwhile, Hawes has not played his average minutes during the season but is still a threat in and out of the paint.
