Monday marks the first day that players who signed or were drafted this offseason can be traded, and Charlotte's Lance Stephenson might be the first to go.
The Hornets have been unhappy with their big free agent signing, and are looking to get rid of him as soon as possible. The organization thinks he's been a cancer in the locker room and has disrupted team chemistry, which has led to their poor start.
If (when?) Stephenson (10.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 5.0 apg) does get dealt, where is he most likely to end up?
Miami Heat
Stephenson is still public enemy No. 1 to most Heat fans based on his antics during last season's Eastern Conference Finals, but this could be a good fit basketball-wise. The Heat are in desperate need of more perimeter scoring, and Stephenson is going to be the most talented wing scorer on the market.
Miami would likely send back Josh McRoberts (who they signed away from Charlotte this offseason) and Mario Chalmers for Stephenson, and have to take on Marvin Williams' $7 million contract.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are the only serious championship contender that has reached out to Charlotte about a potential deal, though talks are far from serious at this point. However, Los Angeles is looking to add a perimeter defender for their postseason run, and Stephenson is one of the best defenders in the league. The locker room is strong enough to handle him, but it would undoubtedly put an added strain they might pass on.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are trying to implement wholesale changes themselves, and have put former All-Stars Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, and Brook Lopez all on the trade block. Charlotte's only two pieces they consider untouchable are Kemba Walker at point guard and Al Jefferson at center, meaning a deal would center around Joe Johnson.
Brooklyn is trying to get younger, and bringing in Stephenson - a Brooklyn native - would give them an exciting new, young piece that would spark fan interest. The only thing holding this deal back are the salary cap restrictions, as Johnson is owed $25 million this season. The numbers could work if Marvin Williams and Bismack Biyombo were included in the deal, but that would significantly cut into Charlotte's depth.
Indiana Pacers
Stephenson was a star for the Pacers in their playoff run last season, and he's someone head coach Frank Vogel and President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird love. However, chemistry issues were a problem during his last year at Indiana, so the roster might not be all too thrilled about having him back.
That being said, he'd bring a new energy on the court to a team that desperately needs it after losing All-Star Paul George for the season. The locker room already knows how to handle him, which should limit his disruptiveness. Indiana would likely have to give up backup forward Luis Scola and another piece, likely Chris Copeland or C.J. Watson.
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