Struggling in the early part of the 2015-2016 NBA Season, the Los Angeles Clippers are now exploring probable trades with a couple of their offseason acquisitions in Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith.

The Clippers currently own a 12-9 win loss record so far this year, good for fifth place in the Western Conference but the team is already exploring trade options for Lance Stephenson, acquired via a trade with the Charlotte Hornets in the offseason and Josh Smith, acquired via free agency in the same summer, according to Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports.

However, the same report quoted NBA executives saying that both players doesn’t hold much value in the trade market and that they are even “buyout candidates”, which means the Clippers may consider just waiving them in the current season.

Another Clipper reportedly on the trading block is veteran guard Jamal Crawford, the third-leading scorer for the team behind stars Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

Both Stephenson and Smith are struggling so far this season. The 25-year-old Stephenson has started 10 of 20 games played and is averaging 5.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 18.7 minutes per game. The 30-year-old Smith has played in 21 games and is averaging 5.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game.

The Clippers started the season with four straight wins but went 2-7 in their next 9 games. Los Angeles has bounced back recently going 5-2 in their last 7 games but both Smith and Stephenson are still seeing erratic minutes and production for the Hollywood squad.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.

RELATED STORIES