There doesn't appear to be much of a market for Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson. Even if Stephenson were to become available, some of his former Indiana Pacers teammates reportedly wouldn't want the organization to make a trade for him.
Before Charlotte reportedly took Stephenson off the trade block, Indiana was one of several teams linked to him. ESPN's Marc Stein, though, reported not everybody in the Pacers organization would be thrilled if Stephenson returned.
Per Stein:
"Weekend Trade Rumble: Heard various Pacers were asked if Indy should try to bring Lance Stephenson back. Response NOT one of encouragement. ... That's Charlotte's challenge in trying to move Stephenson. Pacers were worn out by season's end and he had Hornets exasperated in record time."
The Pacers, the Brooklyn Nets, the Miami Heat and the Los Angeles Clippers were all teams reportedly interested in making a deal for Stephenson. Their unwillingness to give up any major assets for him, though, seemingly forced Charlotte to take him off the block and give him another chance.
"Underwhelmed by the quality of trade offers they've received for Lance Stephenson, the Charlotte Hornets have decided to keep the volatile guard 'for now,' according to league sources," ESPN's Chris Broussard and Ramona Shelburne wrote Friday. "... Charlotte feels the (groin) injury has affected Stephenson's movement and conditioning, according to sources, and that just as he was getting healthy, he reinjured the groin Wednesday against Phoenix.
"The Hornets want to rest Stephenson, let him heal and see if he can either fit in with Charlotte or re-establish his trade value."
Stephenson hasn't flourished in Charlotte, apparently because of chemistry issues with his teammates and a nagging groin injury. He's averaging 10.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.
