NBA rumors: Charlotte Hornets considering Lance Stephenson

May 30, 2014; Miami, FL, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) wipes his face during a game against the Miami Heat in game six of the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA Free Agency period is beginning to slow down, but there are a number of quality players still available on the open market including Lance Stephenson.

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All signs seemed to be pointing towards Stephenson returning to the Pacers, but now he is receiving some interest from the newly renamed Charlotte Hornets.

Stephenson would help the Hornets out after missing on Gordon Hayward and watching Josh McRoberts leave for the Miami Heat. His presence on the court in Charlotte would give the Hornets some much needed scoring.

From the Charlotte Observer:

"Hornets management had contact with Stephenson’s representatives Tuesday, multiple NBA sources confirmed. Stephenson is one of the last name free agents in this class yet to sign, and the Hornets could use his scoring and shooting ability at the wings.However, Stephenson had some behavioral issues last season, before reaching free-agency that have seemingly depressed his leverage in the NBA marketplace. The Pacers have offered Stephenson $8.8 million per season over five seasons, and have reportedly not come off that number. Stephenson thinks he’s worth considerably more.The Hornets have plenty of cap room to make Stephenson an offer. Their first choice was Hayward, who they were willing to pay $63 million over four years. The Hornets appeared to be staying clear of Stephenson until now, as alternatives dried up."

Whether or not the Hornets would be able to lure Stephenson remains to be seen, but after the Pacers decided to play hardball Stephenson could be willing to leave Indiana.

We will just have to sit back and watch the latest developments as they all play out.

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