Yet another report claims the Charlotte Hornets have guard Lance Stephenson on the trade block. With the first-year Hornet now eligible to be traded, his name has been linked to both the Indiana Pacers and the Brooklyn Nets.
Things haven't worked out in Charlotte for Stephenson so far. Chemistry has been cited as the main reason for his struggles in Charlotte, and a number of reports over the weeks have indicated the Hornets are now willing to move him for the right price.
ESPN's Marc Stein is the latest to report Stephenson could be finished in Charlotte.
"Sources say that the Hornets are not in a move-him-at-all-costs mode with Stephenson but made it clear that Charlotte is ready now to abandon the experiment if a palatable deal presents itself," Stein wrote Sunday.
Grantland's Zach Lowe was the first to report could be on the trade block, claiming the Hornets have been "aggressive" in their search for a deal to help improve their struggling 6-17 team.
ESPN reported last week two teams who could potentially make a move for Stephenson were the Pacers and the Nets, who're reportedly willing to trade Deron Williams, Joe Johnson or Brook Lopez for the right offer.
As for whether Stephenson will be a hot commodity on the market, the opinions are split. Stein speculated Stephenson's team-friendly contract - the three-year deal is only guaranteed through next season - could help facilitate a trade, while Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler doesn't think Stephenson will be an easy sell.
Per Kyler:
"I think the Hornets would "like" to move Lance. I am just not sold there is anyone that takes him without inducement. Is it smart for the Hornets to give up a rookie scale player like Cody Zeller or Noah Vonleh to move Lance. Or worse yet a draft pick?
"The Hornets are selling low - teams usually either offer junk or require assets to take on the dented can contract.
"Not sure there is a deal "quickly" mainly because I am not sold anyone really wants Lance."
If the Hornets want to ship out Stephenson, they have until Feb. 19 to do it.
