In the offseason, the Los Angeles Clippers made moves acquiring guard Lance Stephenson and forward Josh Smith to boost their bench which has been an issue for them in the past, but it seems like they are now looking to part ways with the two.
According to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports, league sources said the Clippers are interested in trading Stephenson and Smith.
Spears added in the report that because of their contract situation with the Clippers, Stephenson can be traded anytime while Smith can be part of a deal come Dec. 15.
Stephenson and Smith were expected to help two-time National Basketball Association (NBA) Sixth Man of the Year guard Jamal Crawford.
In the past few seasons, Crawford has been the only legitimate scoring threat for the Clippers coming off the bench, and such is why Los Angeles pushed the deals for Stephenson and Smith.
However, it seems like the two are not really emerging in the roles given to them this season.
In 20 games played this season, which include 10 starts, Stephenson is averaging 5.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 18.7 minutes of action played per outing.
Meanwhile, Smith has played in 21 games this season all coming off the bench and, so far, is averaging career-lows in points (5.5), rebounds (4.2), and assists (1.6).
Despite their impressive achievements in their respective careers, a National Basketball Associaton (NBA) executive said in Yahoo Sports' report that the Clippers will likely not get blockbuster deals with Stephenson and Smith.
"There is not much of a market for them. They are buyout candidates. Maybe Lance goes back to Indiana, you never know. You won't get back much for them," the executive said, according to the report.
Despite Stephenson and Smith being ineffective, the Clippers are still finding ways to thrive this season and are currently fifth in the Western Conference standings with a 12–9 record.
