Oct 13, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson (1) stands on the court against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets defeated the Magic 99-97. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Lance Stephenson has underwhelmed this year, with his historically low 17.1% three point shooting percentage and his ample time glued to the bench. However, at one time he was considered to be a useful two-way player who could both defend and cause havoc on offense.
He was a triple-double waiting to happen in his last year in Indiana, and when Charlotte Hornets general manager Rich Cho signed him to a three-year, $27M deal with a two-year out for the team, it was mostly praised as a high-risk/high-reward move that a team like Charlotte needed to make.
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Now that Stephenson has worn out his welcome here in the Queen City, Cho must look to move him this summer. While Stephenson’s numbers and contract appear unmovable, remember that every contract can be traded. Gilbert Arenas, Rashard Lewis and many other apparently horrible deals have been acquired by other teams. Sure, Isaiah Thomas might not be running the New York Knicks anymore, but surely Cho can find someone out there willing to take on a reclamation project like Stephenson.
Remember, as we go through five potential trades that mostly what teams would send back in a deal for Stephenson is going to be their own flotsam, players who have worn out their own welcome in their respective organizations. The key is not to expect too much for Stephenson, but just look for anyone who might make a positive contribution.
Next: The Morris Twins