The struggling Charlotte Hornets are off to a terrible start to the season at 8-19 and are looking to make changes to hopefully turn things around. The main source of struggle has been Hornets' wing player Lance Stephenson, as Charlotte has been looking to unload him. With that being said, the offers the Hornets have received for Stephenson in the past week has not impressed management, and they have decided to keep him for now, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard.
The Indiana Pacers were one team with interest in Stephenson, as their organization and fans know him better than anyone since he played the best basketball of his career there. Stephenson's ability to create his own shot and put the ball on the floor is needed with the absence of Paul George. However, despite playing well for Indiana, the Pacers are hesitant to acquire Stephenson, as they consider him an off court distraction.
Lance has clashed with his new teammates already, so other teams are not going to tolerate with that. Therefore, trading Stephenson will be harder than the Hornets think. No team is looking for a bad locker room guy.
Lance was a second-round pick in 2010 and in his early years, he didn't get noticed due to lack of play time. It was in 2012 when Danny Granger went down with knee injuries, and it opened up minutes for Lance, as he turned into a borderline All-Star and helped the Pacers achieve back-to-back Eastern Conference Finals appearances.
This season, Stephenson is averaging 10.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists on 38.6 percent shooting from the field, including 15.1 percent from three and 63.5 percent from the costless throw line. Last season, he averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists on 49.1 percent shooting from the field, 35.2 percent from three, and 71.1 percent from the costless throw line. Obviously, his stats have declined, especially his shooting. He is a different player from last season. If he can't bounce back, then trading him will only be harder.
It is clear to say the Pacers will not be making offers for Stephenson any time soon, especially since his former teammates do not want him back either.
Despite all this, come trade deadline, the Hornets will still be looking to trade him. It doesn't seem like Stephenson fits in with Charlotte, and they are not even looking for much value in return for him.