Jamal Crawford (Photo : Getty Images Sport)
The NBA Trade rumors have the LA Clippers reportedly shopping Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith.
Is that the end of the story? The rumor started with Sam Amico's tweet, which stated "Clippers making some exploratory calls, seeing what may be available. Little early for trade chatter but they're not happy."
Sam Amico has his own hoops site, Amico Hoops and he is a Cleveland Cavaliers insider. Thus, it was assumed that the "exploratory calls" were directed to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Now, the report from the camp of the LA Clippers is that the calls are just "routine" as stated in Clipperholics.
"To an extent, that statement seems reasonable," the site stated. "Of course teams consider any potential moves at this time of the year. Trades for most free agents acquired this summer are eligible from December 15 and, after all, it's just business. If a team thinks they can make a move to amend a need or upgrade, they're going to look into it."
Speculation could run wild and while there is basis (Amico really is from Cleveland), it was not specified whether the Clippers were offering players or inquiring if a player from the Cavs is available.
One intriguing factor is that Kyrie Irving and Iman Shumpert are due for a return and some reports claim that it might be sooner than later. The Clippers are offering Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith, recently they have also mentioned Jamal Crawford.
Crawford was rumored to be a trade target of the Cavs and perhaps the Clippers want to know if they're still interested, and what they are willing to give.
