Nov 23, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson (1) drives to the basket as Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers (15) defends during the first half at American Airlines Arena.
The much maligned Lance Stephend continues to be included in rumours as long as the disappointing Charlotte Hornets are in the cellar of the Eastern Conference. Stephenson was supposed to be the piece to push the overachieving last year’s team but his style has not mashed with the ball-dominant play of starting point guard Kemba Walker as well as the post-up game of centre Al Jeffferson. The mercurial slasher has averaged only 9.6 points this season but the bright side is that he is only contracted for two-years on a reasonable salary of less than $10 million annually which can be easily moved to team’s looking for a facilitator. The equally struggling Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls are just some of the teams floated that could absorb Stephenson due to in part of lack in talent (Lakers) or a culture and group of veterans and coaches who can keep Stephenson on a tight leash (Bulls.) A return to the Indiana Pacers is also not out of the question but given how weak the Eastern Conference is, suffice it to say that Michael Jordan who has some backing for the 24-year-old player, will play a wait and see game before giving up to his offseason splash. REUTERS

As Dec. 15 looms, more and more NBA teams are being active with the telephones, trying to facilitate trades. The disappointing Charlotte Hornets (5-16) are just among of the teams that are trying to make moves to improve on their standings and build-upon last season's playoff appearance.

When discussions turn to how the Hornets became one of the early season's under achievers, the blame finger usually goes the way of mercurial shooting guard Lance Stephenson. The former Indiana Pacers draft pick was supposedly the x-factor that can lift the team from up-and-comer into dangerous second round threat but early on team chemistry has been horrendous.

There have been reports that Stephenson has been clashing with his teammates due to his ball dominant and rebound-stealing ways, a cause of concern why he is one of the early candidates to be moved during the Dec. 15 date, the first day when teams can include trades players they just signed during the off-season. According to the recent article of RealGM's Sharms Charania, 4 to 5 teams are interested in acquiring the services of the always triple-double threat Stephenson.

"Four to five NBA teams have shown an interest to the Hornets on Stephenson, but no deal is imminent, Stephenson has made clear his desire to help propel a turnaround and both sides believe there's still time to salvage a productive relationship and run with the franchise, " Charania explained citing an anonymous source in her latest report.

One of the rumoured teams who have contacted Charlotte is the Brooklyn Nets who have already made available several former all-stars in Brook Lopez, Joe Johnson and Deron Williams. Former Atlanta Hawk star Johnson might be the most likely trade chip given how much the Hornets need the spacing to free up centre Al Jefferson. Hornets management have yet to confirm the story as Stephenson is coincidentally enjoying the best week of his Hornet life as he is averaging close to 16 points, 6 rebounds and four assists, helping the team to a 2-1 record in December.