Reports surfaced that the Charlotte Hornets want to trade Lance Stephenson after just 20 games. Stephenson was the Hornets big free agent signing this offseason and he was supposed to help solidify them as a contender in the Eastern Conference. They showed a lot of promise last season and many thought the addition of Stephenson would help put them up there with the best. Unfortunately it hasn’t worked out that way. The Hornets are currently 8-19 in the 12th spot in the Eastern Conference. Stephenson’s production has been relatively low and many thought that’s why the Hornets are ready to trade him but it turns out there’s more to it.
via Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe:
According to league sources, Stephenson has clashed with teammates, and coach Steve Clifford has placed the onus of Stephenson’s adjustment on the team’s veteran players, hoping they could police themselves and convince Stephenson to become more of a team player. Stephenson may become a more attractive piece near the Feb. 19 trade deadline, but the Hornets would want value in return.
There was talk that Stephenson also had locker room issues in Indiana along with his on-the-court antics. If his production picks up however, that will be overlooked just like it was when he signed with Charlotte in the first place after a successful showing in the playoffs.
The Indiana Pacers are reportedly willing to engage in a trade with Charlotte to bring Stephenson back to the team.
