Matt Barnes Calls the Clippers 'Cursed,' but Steve Ballmer Once Explained Why He Kept the Name

Matt Barnes says the Los Angeles Clippers should change their name, calling the franchise “cursed” after another difficult offseason. Speaking to TMZ Sports and published Oct. 8 at Brandon Watson’s annual celebrity charity softball event, Barnes said he pitched a new name to owner Steve Ballmer when he bought the team in 2014, but “everyone kind of laughed.” Ballmer addressed the branding question publicly in June 2015, explaining he kept the “Clippers” identity to honor a history of adversity. The team has since added new logos, uniforms and, for 2024-25, a separate NBA G League affiliate name revival.