The Charlotte Hornets signed Lance Stephenson in the offseason to improve their title chances, but they could eventually move the enigmatic shooting guard before the annual trade deadline in February.
Stephenson signed a three-year deal worth $27 million in the summer, but ESPN reported that the Hornets have already started looking for potential trade partners willing to take 24-year-old guard.
The former Cincinnati standout has yet to live up to expectations this season as he is averaging just 10.4 points to go along with 7.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists. Sources said, though, that the Hornets are confident that they will eventually find a taker for Stephenson because of his team-friendly deal.
"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," Marc Stein of ESPN said. "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."
Sources added that the Hornets' plan could still change before the deadline, but they are leaning towards parting ways with the fifth-year guard, who has yet to fit into Charlotte's system that greatly relies on stars Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker.
Bobcats coach Steve Clifford has not used Stephenson in the fourth quarter of some of their games this season, citing poor spacing and lack of ball movement when the former Indiana Pacers star is on the floor. Clifford is still hoping, though, that Stephenson will eventually adjust and fit into his new role in Charlotte.
"To be fair, one of the things that's made it more difficult for him is that he came here and people proclaimed him as the next superstar," Clifford said. "He's not a star. He's a guy that has talent to become a star. To be a star in this league, you have to do it over years."
Stephenson had a breakout year last season when he averaged 13.8 points to go along with 7.2 points and 4.6 assists in 78 regular-season games with the Pacers. Indiana offered a five-year, $44 million deal to Stephenson in the offseason, but the Brooklyn native turned the offer down.
