Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith (Photo : Gregory Sheamus | Getty Images Sport)
The NBA trade rumors continue with the LA Clippers as it was confirmed that they wanted their two "prized acquisitions" out of the team.
According to a report from Yahoo's Marc Spears, citing league sources, the Clippers "gauges trade interest" for Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith last month.
Stephenson can be traded immediately once they find a taker but Josh Smith has to wait a week more (Dec 15) as he was signed this summer.
"There is not much of a market for them,"Yahoo quotes an NBA executive. "They are buyout candidates. Maybe Lance goes back to Indiana, you never know. You won't get back much for them."
Stephenson was one of Indiana Pacers team president Larry Bird's favorite protégés but it is unknown whether he would be welcome to taking him back after bolting for the Charlotte Hornets, not to mention his exorbitant contract.
In a thread opened at Real GM, some possible teams that could take these players are the New York Knicks-according to user 'DowNY' could field a package of Jose Calderon, Arron Afflalo and Derrick Williams. It is known that the Knicks are shopping Calderon but they might think twice on Afflalo.
Still, Stephenson is a talented scorer who plays hard and can defend well when motivated. Phil Jackson, Derek Fisher and his crew are always up for the challenge of handling talented players with attitude problems (Dennis Rodman, anyone?)
The Indiana Pacers could also trade in one of their smaller guards, like Rodney Stuckey for Lance. Stuckey's contract is not exactly the most palatable, and Lance to Coach Frank Vogel is "the devil he knows."
The Rockets, who need help at all positions, could also be willing to take another chance at Josh Smith. They don't have much to lose in doing so.
Teams with a dearth at the power forward spot could take a chance on Smith, like Phoenix if the Markieff Morris situation results in a forced trade, but they would definitely seek solid assets to add on.
