NBA Rumors: Charlotte Hornets to sign Lance Stephenson?

Dec 13, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) drives to the basket against Charlotte Bobcats guard Ben Gordon (8) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana Pacers defeat Charlotte 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) drives to the basket against Charlotte Bobcats guard Ben Gordon (8) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana Pacers defeat Charlotte 99-94. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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One of the biggest story lines of the 2014 NBA offseason will be what happens to Indiana Pacers’ guard Lance Stephenson.

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Stephenson will become an runestricted free agent once the summer begins and there has been some debate about whether or not the Pacers will spend the money it may take to keep Stephenson. Although most feel he will ultimately re-sign with the Pacers, there are some within the organization that may be scared off by his on and off the court antics.

A team could also offer more money than the Pacers want to spend. In fact, Yannis Koutroupis of Basketball Insiders thinks Stephenson will ultimately sign with the Charlotte Hornets.

"Call me crazy, but I think in hopes of taking the next step forward in the Eastern Conference and becoming more than just a fringe playoff team the Charlotte Bobcats are going to go after him hard and offer him more than the Pacers are willing to. I know he’s a little crazy, but you can harness that and use it in a positive way, see Metta World Peace with the Los Angeles Lakers his first season."

Of course, if the Hornets do make Stephenson a large offer, the Pacers could choose to match that offer and see if Stephenson stays loyal to the Pacers.

Stephenson averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game this season while shooting 49.1% from the field, 35.2% from beyond the arc and 71.1% from the free throw line in the regular season. In the postseason, he put up 13.6 points, 6.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game. He shot 45.5% from the field, 35.8% from three and 71.4% from the charity stripe.