How does Lance Stephenson trade affect the Celtics?

By foxsports
Published

Whenever a trade is made in the NBA, there tends to be a ripple effect that either opens or closes potential opportunities for other teams throughout the league. 

On Monday, the Los Angeles Clippers shipped Matt Barnes and Spencer Hawes to the Charlotte Hornets for Lance Stephenson. At first, it doesn't appear as though it will affect the Boston Celtics in any way. But look closer:

General manager Danny Ainge should be on the phone trying to move up in the draft anyway he can, and landing at nine would be amazing. 

It's still unclear what he has to offer the Hornets, but maybe swapping both Boston's 2015 first-round picks for one of Charlotte's will be enough. This trade could change everything.

Photo Credit: AP Photo/Bob Leverone