Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Lance Stephenson is being linked with a potential move to his hometown NBA team, the Brooklyn Nets, a source close to situation reported on Friday.
Stephenson, who signed a three-year, $27 million deal with the Hornets last summer, is surprisingly struggling with his new team after becoming one of the key players for the Indiana Pacers the past two seasons.
According to Grantland NBA writer Zach Lowe, a reliable league source told him that the Hornets are already making almost all players on their roster (except cornerstones point guard Kemba Walker and center Al Jefferson) available for trade talks, and Stephenson's name is apparently included.
"The Hornets are searching for upgrades on the wing and at power forward, per those sources, and they are willing to talk turkey on basically anyone other than Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson," according to Lowe.
"Free agents signed this past offseason can't be traded until December 15, and few would be surprised if the Hornets make and take calls on Lance Stephenson ahead of that trigger date."
Real GM reporter Shams Charania reported that Stephenson continues to draw interest from several teams, including the Nets. According to the source, Stephenson is believed to be open to a possible move to Brooklyn, though he still wanted to stick around and make a difference with the Hornets.
"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.
"As a native of Brooklyn, New York, Stephenson attended Lincoln High School in Coney Island. Privately, Stephenson, 24, has unconditional affection for the city and hopes to play for the Nets in the borough at some point in his career."
The Nets have recently expressed interest in entertaining trade talks for three of their pricey former All-Star players in Joe Johnson, Deron Williams and Brook Lopez.
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