The Hornets may look at a Lance Stephenson trade this season at the trading deadline and teams like the NY Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and LA Lakers could be interested in a deal with Charlotte, as the Hornets have been shopping Stepheson along with Gerald Henderson and everyone else not named Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson.
Stephenson is a very talented player, but over his years in Indiana and now in Charlotte, he has rubbed many teammates and coaches the wrong way with his attitude. Steve Clifford benched Stephenson multiple times this season already and while the team isn't actively looking to trade him right now, Zach Lowe at Grantland reported that the Hornets are prepared to shop anyone not named Al Jefferson or Kemba Walker. The team has not been off to a good start this season and that could lead to a fire sale come the trading deadline.
Stephenson represented the second major signing for the Hornets after adding Al Jefferson and now he could already be on his way out. The Hornets made the playoffs last season as the Bobcats and many around basketball expected the team to contend for a playoff spot again. While no one expected them to make a championship run, this rough start was not something the franchise was predicted to do this season.
Last season Stephenson had some issues with the Pacers and that came after he had a breakout season with the team the year before. Stephenson was reportedly in the middle of all the discord with the team, as they slumped in the second half, barely hanging onto the number one seed in the conference into the playoffs. The team made it to the east finals again, but they went seven in the first round and they did not look the same as they did the previous year against the Miami Heat.
The Pacers were not expected to re-sign Stephenson and he ended up with the Hornets and while it's not guarantee he will be traded, the team is going to listen to offers. Stephenson has been benched late in games on multiple occasions this season and moving forward the team may shop Stephenson as the deadline gets closer. The Brooklyn Nets reportedly are looking at trades as well and while he is on a three year deal worth over $25 million, he could be an option if they move Deron Williams or Joe Johnson in the near future.
