UNDERACHIEVERS STEPHENSON, HAWES SWITCH PLACES IN 3-PLAYER DEAL
The Los Angeles Clippers acquired swingman Lance Stephenson from the Charlotte Hornets for power forward-center Spencer Hawes and small forward Matt Barnes.
What does it give the Los Angeles Clippers
Stephenson probably completes the Clippers' starting five as their new small forward. If he can stay focused he'll be a strong addition. When at the top of his game, Stephenson's a well-rounded producer who can act as a point-forward while also providing above-average scoring and defending. Moreover, the Clips can get out of his contract after one season if he doesn't pan out (which is a risk, since he didn't pan out in Charlotte). The key will be keeping him focused and managing Stephenson's sometimes-volatile behavior, but the Clips are a veteran bunch so that should be workable.
What does it give the Charlotte Hornets
Moving Stephenson became a priority for the Hornets after the high-priced signee fell flat last season. They get a similar one-season bust in Hawes. And while Hawes has more time on his contract than Stephenson, Hawes does provide an insurance policy at center if team cornerstone Al Jefferson eventually decides to leave. Additionally, assuming Hawes can re-find his form, he can provide an above-average veteran presence at both power forward and center (and gives the Hornets an outside-shooting big man they need). Barnes is an aging vet in the final year of his contract, and looks likely to provide needed leadership and grit off the bench.
Fantasy impact
Stephenson gets a nice fantasy upgrade for next season as a result of this deal. Not only is he likely a starter again, he joins a great Clippers squad that can use his talents and will probably keep him focused. On the Charlotte side of things, Hawes too gets an upgrade (since he'll probably at least get a chance to start again), but Barnes loses fantasy value since he probably gets stuck behind Michael Kidd-Gilchrist at small forward. Additionally for the Hornets, Cody Zeller, Marvin Williams, and Bismack Biyombo probably lose some fantasy upside with the arrival of Hawes (who may push for starts).
