Where the Charlotte Hornets Should Trade Lance Stephenson

The Hornets should trade Lance Stephenson to the Brooklyn Nets

By Dan Lewis (@minutemandan)

Trade Package: Lance Stephenson, Gerald Henderson, Bismack Biyombo, Brian Roberts for Deron Williams, Mason Plumlee.

Pros for Hornets: Turning an asset that has been a disaster, a guard that has a PER of 10.3, a prospect that didn’t develop, and a reliable backup point guard into Deron Williams, a former All-Star point guard who averaged over 10 assists four years in a row and a quality backup center that can start if needed. The Hornets could have a frontcourt of Al Jefferson, Noah Vonleh, Cody Zeller and Mason Plumlee as a foundation, with a strong wing defender in MKG, shooting from the perimeter in PJ Hairston, and the almighty Gary Neal as a sixth man candidate. Plus, Plumlee-Zeller is the frontcourt that League Pass needs.

Cons for Hornets: There would be holes, especially on the bench. Losing Gerald Henderson would be a bummer, especially because it would mean putting more responsibility on PJ Hairston, which doesn’t look like a good thing right now. Deron Williams’ health is always a risk, and you’re hedging almost $20 million on a pair of balky ankles. Losing Brian Roberts makes me sad, I like him as a backup.

Pros for Nets: Easy Money comes back to Brooklyn – what else matters?

Cons for Nets: Easy Money comes back to Brooklyn, which means easy access to White Castle and Shake Shack and oh no, Lance weighs 250 pounds and looks like Charles Barkley racing Dick Bavetta down the court. Kevin Garnett may rent his jersey in twain by the end of the season, screaming to the rafters of Barclay Center, “No one had it better than I, why must it end this way?” as Lance clangs another mid-range jumper of the back iron.