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NBA Trade Rumors: 5 potential destinations for Lance Stephenson

By Evan Massey

Dec 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson (1) drives past Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) during the second half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Suns win 111-106. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson (1) drives past Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) during the second half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Suns win 111-106. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 17, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson (1) stands on the court during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets defeated the Pacers 80-71. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Lance Stephenson (1) stands on the court during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets defeated the Pacers 80-71. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Indiana Pacers

One potential destination for Lance Stephenson would be very familiar for him. There were rumors earlier this season that the Indiana Pacers were engaged in trade discussions to bring their former starting shooting guard back, but those trade talks fell apart quickly. It isn’t all that likely that the Pacers will re-acquire Stephenson, but they are a team to keep an eye on.

Stephenson was a perfect fit in Frank Vogel’s system, and he busted out to the best season of his career last year. Unfortunately, he decided to test the free agency waters and made the wrong decision by turning down Indiana’s offer.

Indiana could send David West down to Charlotte in exchange for Stephenson and rookie Noah Vonleh, and it would be a very intriguing deal for both teams. West would immediately improve the Hornets’ chances of competing for the playoffs, while Stephenson’s return to Indiana would help him begin to reach his full potential again. Vonleh would be the darkhorse in the offer, and could potentially be the Pacers’ future in the front-court.

West simply isn’t a go-to guy anymore, but he is a perfect complimentary player. The Pacers cannot afford to wait and hope that he can still make a major difference next year, and trading West at the deadline would make a lot of sense.

Next: 3. New York Knicks

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