The Charlotte Hornets have been looking at a Lance Stephenson trade already this year and if they make a move, teams like the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, NY Knicks, Clippers, Indiana Pacers or Brooklyn Nets could be interested, as Stephenson is a prime talent despite his maturity issues and a new environment could be just what he needs to get back on track.
Stephenson has been shopped by the Hornets following the December 15 date for when newly signed players can be traded and teams have already started showing interest. According to ESPN.com and Yahoo Sports, the Indiana Pacers, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, LA Clippers and other teams have had contact with the Hornets, although no deal is imminent. Zach Lowe at Grantland writes that the Hornets are willing to talk about anyone apart from Kemba Walker or Al Jefferson in trades this season.
Stephenson is a wildly talented player, but he has had issues throughout his career, including last year when he reportedly was the reason for all the discord with the Pacers. The Pacers did not bring back Stephenson, who signed a three year deal with the Hornets, but that has not gone smoothly either. Steve Clifford has benched Stephenson multiple times already and he has been off to a rough start, averaging just 10 points per game and shooting less than 40 percent from the field.
Stephenson put up career numbers last season while starting all 78 games he played and averaging 13.8 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting over 49 percent from the field. His struggles this season could be chalked up to the issues with Clifford, but either way it looks like he is on his way out of town. According to Pro Basketball Talk, the Pacers could be interested in making a move since they are playing without Paul George all season after his injury, but right now nothing is imminent.
The report writes that Larry Bird would have the final decision, as Pacers owner Herb Simon said that the front office will have the power to decide on making a move. Bird is a big fan of Stephenson's, but he also understands that chemistry is important and that Stephenson was one of the reasons why that broke down on the team last season. The Pacers had Stephenson for the first four years of his career and after the way things went in the past, Bird could take lead to ensure that things stay calm this time around if they make a trade.
The Celtics had interest in Stephenson at the beginning of the offseason, but they did not come close to making a deal. The could pick up interest again now with the trade deadline coming up, while the LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers also could be options. The Bulls may jump in if they continue to deal with injuries, while the Houston Rockets could also potentially be interested. The Rockets want to add one more significant piece and with the Wolves playing hardball with Corey Brewer, they could look at Stephenson instead.
The Hornets have started the season 6-18 and that is why reports of a fire sale have continued and that is why it's likely Stephenson gets moved this season at some point.
