Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here… highlighting the big story line. Because there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
The Clippers completed the first part of their roster revamp Monday evening, acquiring shooting guard Lance Stephenson from the Charlotte Hornets in a swap of underachieving players that also included forward-center Spencer Hawes and veteran forward Matt Barnes.
The trade gives the Clippers the elite perimeter defender they have long sought but comes with some risk considering the 6-foot-5 Stephenson was a flop last season with the Hornets.
It also leaves the Clippers with a glut of shooting guards, meaning it could serve as a precursor to a trade involving Jamal Crawford since the team has already signaled strong interest in re-signing free-agent guard Austin Rivers.
Stephenson is a relatively low-risk acquisition because he has only one more season guaranteed at $9 million; his contract also includes a team option for $9.4 million for the 2016-17 season. Hawes has three years and about $17.2 million left on his contract.
Thumbs up to Doc Rivers for this deal. He erases one of his biggest mistakes and acquires a misfit with tremendous upside. If anyone can reach Lance Stephenson, it’s Doc.
The Clippers won’t miss Hawes (he logged 7 DNPs in the playoffs), but Barnes was their starting small forward. Stephenson could play some small forward, unless Doc has someone else in mind:
With the Clippers trading away Matt Barnes in the Lance Stephenson deal, it makes me wonder if Doc Rivers knows that Paul Pierce is coming.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) June 16, 2015
Pierce would be provide a tremendous boost to the Clippers. If the Truth reunites with Doc, I’d have no choice but to put aside my harsh feelings and adopt the Clippers as my 2nd team.
As for what this all means for the Celtics, the Hornets are in dire need of a shooting guard.
Hornets also like RJ Hunter a lot, but won’t take him at 9. It’s possible they trade down a few spots for Hunter & pick up another asset
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 16, 2015
Yeah. The Celtics are the most logical trade partner for a Hornets deal. https://t.co/vbOAsEcEDv
— Chad Ford (@chadfordinsider) June 16, 2015
Bingo. But what does moving up to #9 get Boston? Probably not Willie Cauley-Stein.
ESPN’s Jeff Goodman has WCS going 6th to Sacramento. Chad Ford ranks Stein 8th on his big board. SI’s Chris Mannix has Stein falling to 11 so there’s hope.
On Page 2, Isaiah Thomas reveals a bit about his recruiting efforts.
Isaiah Thomas, noted social media free-agent recruiter, played it coy when asked about potential offseason targets during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take on Monday.
“I’ve got a few players in mind,” Thomas admitted when asked about some of his recent tweets. “Hopefully they can wear some green. I won’t say their names. I won’t.”
When the hosts referenced free-agent-to-be big men LaMarcus Aldridge and Marc Gasol, Thomas smiled and played along.
“There’s two guys in the Western Conference that are pretty good, hopefully they can make it over East,” Thomas said with a grin.
Gasol or Aldridge? Aldridge or Gasol?
Moot question because I don’t think anyone expects Marc Gasol to seriously entertain Boston.
Just think, in about 3 weeks we’ll find out if the Celtics are able to hit a home run in free agency.
Gulp.
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