Starting today players who signed a contract in July are now eligible to be traded. Lance Stephenson is one of those players and the Charlotte Hornets have already been busy working the phones, trying to find options. It’s just been 23 games into the season but the Hornets are ready to part with the talented but enigmatic guard and trade Lance Stephenson.
via ESPN:
One factor that could ultimately lead to a deal, despite Stephenson’s ragged and discouraging start, is the fact that the three-year, $27 million deal he received over the summer from Charlotte owner Michael Jordan is only guaranteed through next season. The third year of the deal is not guaranteed, which theoretically enhances Charlotte’s chances of finding another team willing to gamble on the mercurial swingman.
So what are their options?
Yahoo’s Adrian Wojnarowski says the Hornets have had discussions with Stephenson’s former team, the Indiana Pacers as well as the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers but nothing is imminent yet.
Charlotte, Indiana had preliminary conversations on possible return of Lance Stephenson, but talks haven’t gone far. So far, Charlotte’s been unwilling to attach a first-round pick to unload Stephenson. That could’ve kick-started conversation with Pacers. After brief contact w/ Hornets, Nets and Clippers researching Stephenson’s time in Charlotte, but yet to show serious interest, sources say.
