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NBA Rumors: Charlotte Hornets after Luol Deng, Lance Stephenson

By Andrew Melnick

Mar 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luol Deng (9) runs during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 90-76. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 30, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Luol Deng (9) runs during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 90-76. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets (well, they were the Bobcats last season) were one of the best stories of the 2013-2014 season.

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After years of futility, the drafting of former Connecticut Huskies’ star Kemba Walker, the signing of former Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz big man Al Jefferson and the hiring of head coach Steve Clifford, help the Hornets improve to a 43-39 record and return to the postseason for the first time since 2010. After the Hornets were swept by the Miami Heat, it was clear they needed several more upgrades, especially on the offensive end, before they even think about getting out of the first round.

Two available free agents, one unrestricted, Luol Deng of the Cleveland Cavaliers and one restricted, Lance Stephenson of the Indiana Pacers, would certainly represent big upgrades for the Hornets.

Rick Bonnell and Ben Weinrib of The Charlotte Observer think the Hornets could pursue both Deng and Stephenson.

"The former Duke star and NBA All-Star (Deng) was traded off the Chicago Bulls to the Cleveland Cavaliers in part because he turned down a contract extension. He wasn’t a good fit in his half-season in Cleveland and it’s hard to tell if that reflects more on him or the Cavaliers. His numbers (14.3 points on 42 percent shooting) were his worst in seven seasons……He’s (Stephenson) obviously a talent at shooting guard, averaging 13.8 points on 49 percent shooting this past season for the Indiana Pacers. The question would be his salary expectations and potential personality issues. He needs to better manage his emotions to be a better teammate."

Deng averaged 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.0 steals per game for the Cavaliers Chicago Bulls while Stephenson put up 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game for the Pacers.

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