Report: Lance Stephenson unlikely to move at deadline

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What a difference a year makes.

At this time last season, Lance Stephenson was one of the darlings of an impressive Indiana Pacers squad that entered the All-Star break at 40-12, their sights set on the NBA Finals. The Pacers subsequently lost their stride, Stephenson's reputation for being mercurial resurfaced and his market value cratered.

After signing a three-year, $27.4-million contract with the Charlotte Hornets in the offseason - one that appeared well below fair value - Stephenson has continued harming his market. He's struggled mightily in Charlotte, before and after a pelvic sprain and with or without Kemba Walker to share the ball with. The once-modest investment the Hornets made no longer seems prudent.

Stephenson's name has consequently turned up in the rumor mill on multiple occasions, as recently as three weeks ago. It doesn't appear the Hornets will be able to unload him by Thursday's trade deadline, as there's no market for him, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.

That's little surprise, considering Stephenson is averaging nine points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.9 assists while shooting 37.1 percent from the floor and posting a woeful 8.9 PER. 

The Hornets have been playing better despite Stephenson's struggles and currently hold a playoff spot in the East, but they've been 9.3 points per-100 possessions better when he sits. If they can't find a taker by Thursday, it's possible Walker's return later in the season could severely limit Stephenson's playing time.