Charlotte Hornets Rumors: Lance Stephenson to be Traded

Lance Stephenson has not lived up to his expectations for the Charlotte Hornets who are just 4-14 so far this season and could be wearing a new jersey before the NBA trade deadline in February.

According Zach Lowe with Grantland, sources are reporting that the Hornets have been "aggressive making trade calls." Lowe added that all players with the exception of Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson, could be traded while the team is on the hunt to add "upgrades on the wing and at power forward."

Stephenson was signed with the Hornets to a three-year contract worth $27 million this past offseason after spending four years with the Indiana Pacers. Prior to the season, Hornets owner Michael Jordan believed that Stephenson was the best player available who could compete with LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In the preseason, Stephenson had said, reported by the Washington Post, "We have no excuse. MJ and the front office did they job. Now we've got to do our job."

However, Stephenson has not started the season off on the right foot. His field goal percentage is at .367, which his lowest since becoming a starter in 2012 and his three-point percentage has dipped to .184. He is averaging 9.6 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists.

Per NBA rule, Stephenson cannot be traded until December 15. The trade deadline is Feb. 19 at 3p.m. EST.