Clippers get Jeff Green in deal with Grizzlies

— -- The Los Angeles Clippers have acquired forward Jeff Green from the Memphis Grizzlies for Lance Stephenson and a future first-round draft pick, sources tell ESPN's Zach Lowe and Marc Stein.

The draft pick, sources say, is a heavily protected 2019 first-rounder but ensures that Memphis acquires an asset for Green, who can become a free agent in July.

Green gives Los Angeles another potential floor-spacer for the playoff drive.

The trade, sources said, was submitted by the teams to the league just before the 3 p.m. deadline.

The Clippers had been a target of speculation this month, with some wondering whether they would keep their nucleus of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan together. After Griffin was involved in a fight with a staffer and suspended, his name came up in trade rumors, but it appears the Clippers opted to complement their core rather than blow it up.

Stephenson is averaging 4.7 points per game this season, his first with the Clippers. Green is averaging 12.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest. 

The trade was Memphis' second this week with an emphasis on the future. The Grizzlies also acquired four future second-round picks as part of Tuesday's three-team swap with Charlotte and Miami that landed swingman  Courtney Lee with the Hornets.