The NBA trade rumors season has now started with the December 15 date here and a Lance Stephenson trade is a potential option for the Hornets, as the Indiana Pacers, LA Clippers, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, NY Knicks and Miami Heat all could be interested in making a move with Charlotte, as they have not been happy with the way Stephenson has played in 2014.
Stephenson's name came up in trade rumors last week and the December 15 date is important, as it means that players who signed in the offseason now officially can be traded. According to ESPN.com reporter Marc Stein, the Hornets are exploring trade options for Stephenson and this comes after he was benched multiple times this season by head coach Steve Clifford. Stephenson reportedly was the reason for the discord in Indiana last year, but Stein reports that the team has checked in on him with the Hornets and could be a potential option.
Stephenson has plenty of talent, but he can be a hard player to work with and now the Hornets may look at selling at the deadline. According to Zach Lowe of Grantland, the Hornets are willing to talk about anyone on roster apart from Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson, which means Stephenson could be on his way out after signing a three year deal in the summer. The Hornets have not played well this season and while no one expected a championship, many felt the team would be solid after making the playoffs last season. The Hornets are looking to make a decent deal for Stephenson and Stein writes that no deal is imminent.
The original reports about Stephenson mentioned his Brooklyn upbringing and that he would be willing to go to the Brooklyn Nets or NY Knicks. Stein writes that the Pacers, Clippers and Nets have shown interest in Stephenson, but that no deal will be going down this week. Adrian Wojnarowski reports that the Hornets are not close to making a deal, but that they would like to find a way to offload Stephenson this season. The team is not looking to pout a first round pick in the deal to make it happen, but they are motivated to move on.
Stephenson had a breakout performance during his time with the Pacers, but he has not put up great numbers this season. Stephenson is averaging just 10 points per game and is shooting blow 40 percent and this comes after he averaged a career best 13.8 points per game last season while shooting 49 percent from the floor, also a career high. Teams like the Miami Heat, Nets, Clippers and Pacers all could be options for Stephenson, as some have speculated that a veteran-type locker room could help mitigate his attitude issues.
The Hornets are 6-17 on the season and they appear prepared to move on after signing Stephenson to a three-year, $27 million deal over the summer. The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly also shopping big names with Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson and with Stephenson intrigued by the borough, the two sides could look at making a trade.
