Jeff Green To Clippers; Lance Stephenson To Grizzlies

ESPN’s Zach Lowe has reported that the Los Angeles Clippers have acquired forward Jeff Green from the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Lance Stephenson. The Clippers have been looking to properly solve their issues at the small forward position where Wesley Johnson and Paul Pierce have sort of filled that role. Jeff Green this season has averaged 12.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in 53 games, started in 31 of them. Jeff Green will need to play a major role for the Clippers while they are without Blake Griffin, who is still out injured with a broken hand.

The Grizzlies will get Lance Stephenson who’s played mostly on the bench for the Clippers and averaged 4.7 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.4 assist in 10 games he started this year. He will look to be part of the Grizzlies’ wing core that includes former Clipper Matt Barnes, Tony Allen and Vince Carter. The Grizzlies will also receive a protected 2019 first round pick in return. In 2013-2014, Lance Stephenson played an important part in the Indiana Pacers success, as he lead the league in triple-doubles in a season the Pacers finished 1st in the East.

Jeff Green, who will make $9.2 million this year, will become an unrestricted free agent once the 2015-2016 is done. Lance Stephenson is making $9 million this season with a $9.4 million player option for 2016-2017 season. The Clippers currently sit fourth in the Western Conference with the Grizzlies ranked fifth. The two teams have met both in 2012 and 2013 playoffs and are on course again to meet this year as well.