Report: Lance Stephenson Heads to the Clippers, Hornets Acquire Barnes, Hawes

Lance Stephenson has been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, several media outlets reported.

The Clippers dealt veteran Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes to the Charlotte Hornets. Leagues sources informed Yahoo! Sports that both teams were a part of a trade call with the league on Monday evening to finalize the deal.

For Doc Rivers and the Clippers, this trade is a risky move. Even though Stephenson is young and talented, his temper has often gotten the best of him. When he was with the Hornets, Stephenson did not live up to his potential, causing the Hornets to put him on the trading block during the 2014-15 season. The Hornets reportedly attempted to trade Stephenson to the Clippers last season but Rivers backed out. After failing to make it to the NBA finals, Rivers could really use Stephenson.

Arash Markazi with ESPN.com wrote: "It is perhaps the riskiest move Rivers has made during his two years in Los Angeles, and it might also prove to be his best if Stephenson can reclaim the form that made him the runner-up for the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2013-14, as well as the league leader in triple-doubles."

Despite Stephenson's track record in Charlotte, the Clippers need to add more athletic wing players if they want to have a chance in the highly competitive Western Conference. If Stephenson fits in with the offense, he could be the key difference for the Clippers next season.

Stephenson had two years remaining on his contract. Since the 2016-17 season is a team option worth $9.4 million, the Clippers only owe the forward $9 million for this season.

Stephenson averaged 8.2 points with 4.5 rebounds and 3.9 assists this past season. His best season was in 2013-14 with the Indiana Pacers where he averaged 13.8 points and 7.2 rebounds.