Hornets send Stephenson to Clippers

Jun 16, 2015 - 12:02 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - The Los Angeles Clippers made a splash on Monday night, acquiring capricious swingman Lance Stephenson from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for small forward Matt Barnes and reserve center Spencer Hawes.

Stephenson spent his first four NBA seasons with the Pacers after they selected him 40th overall out of Cincinnati. He played sparingly in his first two seasons, then carved out a starting role by his third year and enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2013-14, averaging 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists for a team that took the LeBron James-led Miami Heat to seven games in the Eastern Conference finals.

The 6-foot-5 Stephenson signed a three-year contract with Charlotte last offseason and battled a number of injuries during a campaign that can only be described as disappointing. His averages dipped to 8.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game on 37.6 percent shooting and 17.1 percent from behind the arc.

"We'd like to thank Lance for his contributions last season," said Hornets general manager Rich Cho.

If he can get back to form, Stephenson will help bolster a Clippers bench that ranked last in the NBA in scoring this past season.

Hawes was a major offseason acquisition last summer by Doc Rivers' Clippers but quickly fell out of the rotation and played sparingly in the postseason. The 7-foot shooting specialist started just 15-of-73 games in his lone season in Los Angeles, averaging a mere 5.8 points on 39.3 percent shooting.

"We are pleased to add a pair of proven veterans to our team," added Cho. "Spencer Hawes is an experienced big man whose outside shooting gives us additional flexibility on offense."

Barnes, 35, has spent the last three seasons with the Clippers, the team that he began his career with back in 2003. In between, Barnes played supporting roles on seven other teams as a "three-and-D" wing.

Only $1 million of Barnes' $3.5 million contract is guaranteed. The Hornets are expected to waive him by July 1, making him a free agent.