Report: Hornets aggressive in trade talks
The Charlotte Hornets are reportedly looking to shake up their roster a quarter of the way through a disastrous start to the season.
The Hornets (4-14) have lost nine consecutive games and made nearly every player outside of Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker available, according to Zach Lowe of Grantland.
Lowe adds that the Hornets are thought to be looking for upgrades on the wing and at power forward. The offseason signing of Lance Stephenson was supposed to provide them with wing help but he has struggled mightily to start the year, and Lowe said few would be surprised if Charlotte looks to move him.
Stephenson, who inked a three-year, $27-million deal with the Hornets in July, can't be traded until Dec. 15 as a result of NBA rules. Free agents signed in the offseason can't be moved until that day.
The 24-year-old was a big piece of the Indiana Pacers last season, including in the playoffs when he helped the team reach the Eastern Conference finals. But his numbers - particularly his shooting - have fallen off a cliff this season.
| Year | PPG | FG% | 3PT% | PER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 13.8 | 49.1 | 35.2 | 14.72 |
| 2014-15 | 9.6 | 36.7 | 18.4 | 10.54 |
The Hornets have been one of the NBA's most disappointing teams, a year after Walker and Jefferson helped them secure the seventh seed in the East.