Matt Barnes believes the Clippers are cursed and wants the team to pick a new name

Matt Barnes is convinced the Los Angeles Clippers are under a curse. His fix is simple: give the team a new name.

The retired NBA forward shared his theory at a celebrity softball game for charity, the sixth annual edition of an event put on by former MLB player Brandon Watson. The lineup also included Meagan Good, Jonathan Majors, Paul Pierce, Glen "Big Baby" Davis, Amber Rose and Terence Crawford.

An old pitch to Ballmer

Barnes says he urged Steve Ballmer to rename the Clippers back in 2014, right after Ballmer bought the team from Donald and Shelly Sterling. The Sterlings had been pushed into selling once a recording surfaced of Donald making racist remarks about Magic Johnson.

In Barnes' view, a fresh identity would help clear away some of the stink still clinging to the franchise.

Not happening this year

Any rebrand would have to wait. Ballmer is serving a one-year ban from all league and team business and was hit with a $30 million fine over the Kawhi Leonard scandal. The team was also stripped of five first-round draft picks.

The roster is hurting too. Brandon Ingram, Bradley Beal and Max Strus are all expected to sit out the early part of the coming season.

Before heading west the franchise played as the Buffalo Braves. Barnes did not make clear whether he would bring that name back or start over with something brand new.

Family talk and a good cause

Barnes also weighed in on parents who hold their kids back a grade to give them an edge in sports. He said it is an idea he is thinking about for his own sons.

Proceeds from the softball game go to The RightWay Foundation, a group that helps young people in foster care thrive.