Report: Teams have shown interest in Hornets SG Lance Stephenson
Several teams have demonstrated interest in Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Lance Stephenson, according to a report from Shams Charania of RealGM.
Stephenson signed a three-year deal with Charlotte this summer after reportedly turning down a more lucrative offer to remain in Indiana, where he spent the first four seasons of his career after being selected in the second round of the 2010 draft.
Over 21 games this season, Stephenson has averaged 10.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game while posting career-lows in field goal percentage (38.7) and three-point field goal percentage (15.9). His Player Efficiency Rating has also dropped four points from last season.
According to the report, Stephenson, a Brooklyn, N.Y., native, would not resist a possible move to the Nets, who are reportedly open to trading point guard Deron Williams, shooting guard Joe Johnson and center Brook Lopez.
Charania notes that no deal is imminent and that Stephenson hopes to stay in Charlotte.
• GOLLIVER: 2nd annual All-Atrocious Team: The worst starters in the NBA
From the report:
Lance Stephenson has garnered fresh trade inquiries into the Charlotte Hornets’ front office recently and wouldn’t be opposed to a potential move to the Brooklyn Nets, but hopes to remain part of and succeed in his partnership with the Hornets, league sources told RealGM.
Four to five NBA teams have shown an interest to the Hornets on Stephenson, but no deal is imminent, Stephenson has made clear his desire to help propel a turnaround and both sides believe there’s still time to salvage a productive relationship and run with the franchise, sources told RealGM.
The Hornets have gone 6-15 this season and currently sit in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Charlotte made the playoffs as the No. 8 seed last season.
• MAHONEY: Trading stars won't be easy for Nets
