With the NBA trade deadline around the corner, the Charlotte Hornets reportedly are still trying to move Lance Stephenson. The 2-guard has been linked to the Brooklyn Nets, but it's uncertain if general manager Billy King is willing to commit to any new lengthy contracts.
Stephenson's poor production and chemistry issues on the court had Charlotte putting him on the trade block this season, then purportedly taking him off it. Now, according to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, Charlotte is again shopping him.
"The Hornets continue to explore trade possibilities for Lance Stephenson and are looking for frontcourt help, sources say," Berger wrote Tuesday.
One team linked to Stephenson has been the Nets, who purportedly are trying to dump the hefty contracts of Deron Williams, Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson.
"While the Nets might seem on the surface to be a team willing to gamble on Stephenson - especially if it means unloading one of their big contracts - Brooklyn has yet to signal any willingness to take on salary beyond next season."
Stephenson is has a three-year deal worth $27 million, with the third year being a team option. He's struggled, though, in his first season away from Indiana and has missed the last 11 games because of a groin injury. Seemingly taking the groin injury into account, Charlotte reportedly took Stephenson off the market in December to see if he'd get out of his slump once healthy.
Per ESPN:
"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. ... 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 has also been linked to the Indiana Pacers, the Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Clippers.
