The Charlotte Hornets may look at a Lance Stephenson trade this season after the way things have started off and teams like the NY Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics could be options down the line if he is traded.
Stephenson signed with the Hornets in the offseason after starting his career with the Indiana Pacers and now he could be wearing out his welcome in Charlotte. Stephenson had some locker room and chemistry issues with the Pacers last season and that has bubbled up this year, with head coach Steve Clifford benching him multiple times. According to Pro Basketball Talk, RealGM reports that there are "several teams" interested in trading for Stephenson and while the Hornets have not decided yet to make a move, something could happen down the line.
The report says that no deal is "imminent" and that sources said that Stephenson and the team will try and work things out, as both side feel there is time to "salvage" the relationship. The Hornets are just 6-15 this season after making the playoffs last year and to start the season Stephenson is averaging 10 points and seven rebounds while shooting less than 40 percent from the field.
RealGM notes that Stephenson is originally from Brooklyn and that he would not "be opposed" to a deal to the Nets, while the Knicks also could be an option. The Nets recently put Deron Williams, Robin Lopez and Joe Johnson on the trade block and they traded away Andrei Kirilenko to save money. The two teams could look at a deal and if the Nets are motivated to move their high priced talent, the Hornets could take advantage with a package around Stephenson.
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 Williams or Johnson in the near future.
The Hornets weren't expected to be a great team this season, but Michael Jordon expected more than a 6-15 record to start after making the playoffs last year. The team was one of the top defenses in the league last season, ranking in the top half of the league, but so far this year they are 21st in points allowed and 25th in points scored per game. Stephenson has the chance to mend fences, but it's looking likely that a trade will go down at some point.