The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly looking to trade Lance Stephenson, and the Miami Heat reportedly expressed strong interest in acquiring the versatile shooting guard.
Brian Windhorst, a well-respected NBA analyst from ESPN, confirmed reports about Miami's interest in acquiring Stephenson, who is struggling to fit into his new role in Charlotte.
However, Windhorst added that he cannot see Charlotte trading Stephenson to Miami at this point of the season due to the Heat's lack of attractive trade assets on their roster.
"I actually can see a scenario that the Heat would have some interest in Lance Stephenson," Windhorst said in an interview on the Joe Rose Show on Thursday. "I don't think they would trade anything of value for him, so therefore it's unlikely."
Windhorst also expressed doubt about the Heat's willingness to surrender other valuable assets such as future first-round picks, considering Stephenson's questionable reputation. The 24-year-old reportedly had troubles dealing with teammates last season when he was still with the Indiana Pacers.
"The Indiana Pacers last year, they were on the verge of a mutiny in the locker room a couple of times because Lance drove them so crazy," Windhorst added. "And he's soured his new team within two months. So if you're doing your research on this guy, it's kind of hard to say I want to bring this guy on my team."
ESPN also reported that aside from the Heat, six other teams, including the Brooklyn Nets, inquired about Stephenson's availability, but no team offered an attractive package to convince the Hornets to part ways with the fifth-year guard.
Due to the lack of quality offers from interested teams, the Hornets reportedly decided to halt trade talks involving Stephenson "for now" and evaluate his performance in their next several games.
Stephenson, who signed a three-year deal worth $27 million in the offseason, is averaging 10.2 points to go along with 6.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game this season. His numbers this year are lower than his averages last season - 13.8 points and 7.2 rebounds.
Reports revealed that there is a growing belief within the Hornets organization that the former Cincinnati standout will eventually find his mark midway through the season when he fully recovers from a groin injury.
