THE SHARPSHOOTER HAS COME TO CHARLOTTE
Charlotte sends: Lance Stephenson
Sacramento sends: Nik Stauskas, Jason Thompson and Reggie Evans
Why it works for Sacramento - The Sacramento Kings' surprising start to the 2014-15 NBA season could lead to owner Vivek Ranadive chasing another star, via trade, to pair up with DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay. Lance Stephenson could be their man. I suggested a trade for the Kings to acquire Rondo in my 5 Trades for Boston's Rajon Rondo article, but Rondo is on an expiring deal and would most likely opt to leave Sacramento after his contract expires. With Stephenson, however, the Kings would have him locked up for two years, plus a team option for the third. The package they'd have to give up in this potential trade isn't too high of a price, but saying goodbye to rookie Nik Stauskas may be difficult for the Kings to do, considering his potential and where they took him in this year's draft. However, the Kings have now made it known that they want to keep Ben McLemore, despite trade rumours clouding the sophomore's future in Sacramento. So, Stauskas is the other shooting guard they'd have to give up for Lance. If the Kings really wanted to acquire Stephenson, his potential and his quite cap-friendly contract, then this trade allows them to do so while not giving too much up in the process.
Why it works for Charlotte - The most important piece in this trade for the Hornets is sharpshooting rookie Nik Stauskas. However, before I expand on that, let me just note that Reggie Evans and Jason Thompson are still two serviceable big men that could help out the Hornets on the boards (especially Reggie Evans, as that is what he does best). For now, though, let's focus on the rookie out of Michigan. Stauskas was selected by the Kings 8th overall in this year's draft and is known for his shooting ability. Stauskas gives the Hornets another young piece to pair up with Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and the Hornets could have the chance to develop these three young players for the future, when Charlotte hopes to become a serious title contender. All three pieces are very young and I would even go to say that Stauskas could have the highest ceiling of the three, purely for his shooting ability.
LANCE IN THE LONE STAR STATE
Charlotte sends: Lance Stephenson
Dallas sends: Monta Ellis, Jae Crowder and Memphis' 2016 second round pick
Why it works for Dallas - Admittedly, the way that Monta Ellis has been playing recently, the Mavericks probably wouldn't want to give him up, along with one of their young assets and a draft pick. However, if Ellis notifies Dallas that he will opt of his contract after this year, and become an unrestricted free agent, then maybe Dallas considers this trade. Stephenson is younger than Ellis and also has two years on his contract (plus a team option on the third). According to Bleacher Report's Jared Zwerling, the Mavs and Lance Stephenson had come to a verbal commitment for Lance to become a Maverick for two years (earning slightly more than he eventually would in Charlotte) but he would only be signed if Houston matched Chandler Parsons' offer sheet (which Dallas actually expected Houston to do but they didn't). This trade could see the Mavs getting the No. 2 guy they wanted in free agency to pair alongside their No. 1 free agent signing, Parsons, on the wings. This is Dallas' second chance to have both of the free agents they wanted - here's the trade to make it happen.
Why it works for Charlotte - Monta Ellis has been amazing for the Mavericks this year. He's averaging more than 20 points per game on a field goal percentage of 46.2% (his highest since 2007-08). In the event that this trade actually came to fruition, then Charlotte would have to be quite certain that Ellis would consider sticking around after this season, and even the next if he exercises his player option. Ellis could be the scorer on the wing that Charlotte has lacked thus far and Jae Crowder is also a young piece that can score, even being described as "the steal of the NBA Draft" in the 2012 Summer League. Dallas would also send over Memphis' second round pick but it probably won't be worth much, considering the way Memphis is playing right now. Although, it could turn into a good, even great player. Remember, Jae Crowder, Chandler Parsons, Lance Stephenson and Monta Ellis were all second round picks and now we're talking about them! However, Ellis is still the heart of this deal for the Hornets and if he decided to stick around in Charlotte after a few seasons, then I think that the Hornets are getting a great package.
Why it works for Charlotte - Monta Ellis has been amazing for the Mavericks this year. He's averaging more than 20 points per game on a field goal percentage of 46.2% (his highest since 2007-08). In the event that this trade actually came to fruition, then Charlotte would have to be quite certain that Ellis would consider sticking around after this season, and even the next if he exercises his player option. Ellis could be the scorer on the wing that Charlotte has lacked thus far and Jae Crowder is also a young piece that can score, even being described as "the steal of the NBA Draft" in the 2012 Summer League. Dallas would also send over Memphis' second round pick but it probably won't be worth much, considering the way Memphis is playing right now. Although, it could turn into a good, even great player. Remember, Jae Crowder, Chandler Parsons, Lance Stephenson and Monta Ellis were all second round picks and now we're talking about them! However, Ellis is still the heart of this deal for the Hornets and if he decided to stick around in Charlotte after a few seasons, then I think that the Hornets are getting a great package.
WELCOMING THE DRAGON TO BUZZ CITY
Charlotte sends: Lance Stephenson and Jeff Taylor
Phoenix sends: Goran Dragic, T.J. Warren and Zoran Dragic
Why it works for Phoenix - Sorry, Phoenix fans, I'm doing it again. I'm trading the Dragon (who is set to opt out of his contract and explore unrestricted free agency this summer), just like I did in my latest article Shaking Up the Nuggets. This time, however, the Suns are getting back Lance Stephenson instead of Arron Afflalo. Stephenson has more potential, a longer contract and is an overall better player than Afflalo, even at this stage of his career. I think that a Bledsoe-Stephenson backcourt would be extremely fun to watch because Stephenson gives the Suns a traditional shooting guard to slot next to the electric Bledsoe and still allows the Suns to stay a fast-paced team. To make this deal work, Phoenix would have to give up the Dragic brothers and rookie T.J. Warren. I don't think that the Suns would mind adding Zoran as well as Goran in the deal if they are bring in Lance. As for Warren, he's the lottery pick that the Suns would add to make sure that the Hornets pull the trigger on the trade. In return, the Suns would not only get Stephenson but also Jeff Taylor. Taylor's off court actions (domestic assault, assault and malicious destruction of property) have over clouded his potential but the Suns were able to get small forward P.J. Tucker back on track after a "super-extreme DUI" incident over the offseason that actually landed him in jail for three days- who's to say that the Suns couldn't help Taylor realise his potential and also help him put his off-court incidents away for good?
Why it works for Charlotte - Before accepting this trade, the Hornets would have to be quite positive that Goran Dragic would consider staying in Charlotte for longer than a season or two. Acquiring younger brother Zoran Dragic could also help persuade Goran Dragic to stick around. Another asset that the Hornets are acquiring here is T.J. Warren, a lottery pick in this year's loaded draft, with plenty of youth and upside. Of course, Goran Dragic is still the main piece that the Hornets would acquire in this trade. Dragic could be paired alongside Kemba Walker to form a backcourt that I think would be much better than the current Walker-Stephenson combo. Coming off a Most Improved Player campaign, Dragic is only going to get better as he gets ready to enter his prime and I think that Charlotte would love to have in-his-prime Dragic for years to come if he chooses to re-sign there.
Why it works for Phoenix - Sorry, Phoenix fans, I'm doing it again. I'm trading the Dragon (who is set to opt out of his contract and explore unrestricted free agency this summer), just like I did in my latest article Shaking Up the Nuggets. This time, however, the Suns are getting back Lance Stephenson instead of Arron Afflalo. Stephenson has more potential, a longer contract and is an overall better player than Afflalo, even at this stage of his career. I think that a Bledsoe-Stephenson backcourt would be extremely fun to watch because Stephenson gives the Suns a traditional shooting guard to slot next to the electric Bledsoe and still allows the Suns to stay a fast-paced team. To make this deal work, Phoenix would have to give up the Dragic brothers and rookie T.J. Warren. I don't think that the Suns would mind adding Zoran as well as Goran in the deal if they are bring in Lance. As for Warren, he's the lottery pick that the Suns would add to make sure that the Hornets pull the trigger on the trade. In return, the Suns would not only get Stephenson but also Jeff Taylor. Taylor's off court actions (domestic assault, assault and malicious destruction of property) have over clouded his potential but the Suns were able to get small forward P.J. Tucker back on track after a "super-extreme DUI" incident over the offseason that actually landed him in jail for three days- who's to say that the Suns couldn't help Taylor realise his potential and also help him put his off-court incidents away for good?
Why it works for Charlotte - Before accepting this trade, the Hornets would have to be quite positive that Goran Dragic would consider staying in Charlotte for longer than a season or two. Acquiring younger brother Zoran Dragic could also help persuade Goran Dragic to stick around. Another asset that the Hornets are acquiring here is T.J. Warren, a lottery pick in this year's loaded draft, with plenty of youth and upside. Of course, Goran Dragic is still the main piece that the Hornets would acquire in this trade. Dragic could be paired alongside Kemba Walker to form a backcourt that I think would be much better than the current Walker-Stephenson combo. Coming off a Most Improved Player campaign, Dragic is only going to get better as he gets ready to enter his prime and I think that Charlotte would love to have in-his-prime Dragic for years to come if he chooses to re-sign there.
I'M COMING HOME
Charlotte sends: Lance Stephenson, Marvin Williams and Gerald Henderson
Brooklyn sends: Joe Johnson and Bojan Bogdanovic
Why it works for Brooklyn - The big thumbs-up in this trade for the Nets is shedding Joe Johnson's massive contract, which currently ranks as the third highest in the NBA. The Nets have now publicly announced that they are shopping Joe Johnson, along with Brook Lopez and Deron Williams, and, in this trade, they'd get to bring home (and I mean home) a rising star in Lance Stephenson. Stephenson grew up in Brooklyn and, according to RealGM, hopes to play there one day. That day could be now for Lance. Brooklyn could feel reluctant to give up NBA rookie Bojan Bogdanovic but the Nets would need to add in a sweetener to compensate for the massive contract that they would be giving to the Hornets. As well as adding Stephenson, Brooklyn would also acquire Marvin Williams and Gerald Henderson, two great role players that could help the Nets bench unit. However, Stephenson is still the grand prize and I imagine that the fans of Brooklyn would be elated to see their hometown hero play for their team. Also, a Williams-Stephenson would be fun to watch - they would leave a lot of players ankle-broken. Everything seems perfect in this trade for the Nets. It'd be just like LeBron returning to Cleveland - only it's Lance Stephenson and it's in Brooklyn.
Why it works for Charlotte - Okay, okay, I know that Charlotte probably wouldn't want to absorb Joe Johnson's contract but, just like I explained why the Nuggets would consider taking in Johnson and his contract in my Shaking Up the Nuggets article, if the situation gets worse for the team, then acquiring Joe Johnson could be a move that you pursue. Sure, he's got a massive contract. Sure, he's past his prime. Sure, he's not the greatest guy at his position but do you know what? Joe Johnson has got one thing still going for him at age 33 - he can score the basketball and he can do it well. Johnson is still quite a prolific scorer, even at this stage in his career and he, handily, usually gets hotter as the game wears on. The Hornets are lacking a scorer on the wing and Johnson could perfectly fit that role. As well as Johnson, Bogdanovic isn't a bad asset to have on your bench. He's still quite young and has already been an all-star in the Croatian A-1 league (2010) and the Turkish League (2013). Bringing Johnson in may be a risky move, considering his contract and his age, but he was an all-star last year and he could provide veteran leadership and some much needed scoring help.
Why it works for Charlotte - Okay, okay, I know that Charlotte probably wouldn't want to absorb Joe Johnson's contract but, just like I explained why the Nuggets would consider taking in Johnson and his contract in my Shaking Up the Nuggets article, if the situation gets worse for the team, then acquiring Joe Johnson could be a move that you pursue. Sure, he's got a massive contract. Sure, he's past his prime. Sure, he's not the greatest guy at his position but do you know what? Joe Johnson has got one thing still going for him at age 33 - he can score the basketball and he can do it well. Johnson is still quite a prolific scorer, even at this stage in his career and he, handily, usually gets hotter as the game wears on. The Hornets are lacking a scorer on the wing and Johnson could perfectly fit that role. As well as Johnson, Bogdanovic isn't a bad asset to have on your bench. He's still quite young and has already been an all-star in the Croatian A-1 league (2010) and the Turkish League (2013). Bringing Johnson in may be a risky move, considering his contract and his age, but he was an all-star last year and he could provide veteran leadership and some much needed scoring help.
BORN READY TEAMS UP WITH THE BROW
Charlotte sends: Lance Stephenson and Gerald Henderson
New Orleans sends: Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers
Why it works for New Orleans - I think that the Pelicans are one piece away from seriously contending for a playoff spot in the West (the only reason they are even in contention now is because of Oklahoma City's injury-plagued start to the season - and some guy named Anthony Davis). That piece could be Lance Stephenson. The promise that Eric Gordon once showed has been no where to be seen since he arrived in the Big Easy and he is once again out with injury. Austin Rivers has also been subpar since being selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2012 draft. So, I imagine it would be quite easy for New Orleans to let those two players go. In return for those two players, the Pelicans would receive Gerald Henderson, a solid contributor off the bench, and, of course, Lance Stephenson. It could be argued that Stephenson and current starting shooting guard for the Pelicans (usually plays SF unless Gordon is out), Tyreke Evans, are too similar of a player to co-exist. However, putting the two together on the wings could work wonders for a team still searching for an identity beyond superstar Anthony Davis in a extremely tough Western Conference. If they were a backcourt or a frontcourt that had too similar of a game, then there could be issues (e.g. current Walker-Stephenson backcourt in Charlotte) but this isn't a backcourt or frontcourt. This is two young, talented players that could learn to co-exist and help New Orleans realise its potential without Eric Gordon and his massive contract.
Why it works for Charlotte - Eric Gordon has been a dud, not a stud, since he was traded to the Big Easy as part of the trade that saw Chris Paul move to the Los Angeles Clippers. His scoring numbers have taken a dip each season, as injuries and not being where he wanted to be derailed his bright future but ... what if Charlotte helped revive the Eric Gordon of old? The future all-star Eric Gordon? The exciting scorer Eric Gordon? The Eric Gordon that was considered for selection in the 2012 Olympics for Team USA? It feels like Gordon has been around forever but he's still only 25 years of age. Oh, yes, and I just remembered. The Hornets also happen to have some guy in their franchise named Michael Jordan. Someone told me he was a shooting guard in the NBA once upon a time and I hear he was pretty good at scoring the basketball, among other things. Maybe that guy could help Eric Gordon become the Eric Gordon of old. Gordon desperately needs a fresh start - he did try to leave New Orleans in the 2012 offseason but he was a restricted free agent and New Orleans matched the offer sheet he signed with the Phoenix Suns. A trade to Charlotte would give Gordon just the fresh start he needs. Another player who would like to revive his play from years past is former lottery pick Austin Rivers. The son of legendary coach Doc Rivers, Austin has been disappointing thus far in his career but Charlotte could perhaps give Rivers a second chance and help him realise his potential. Back to talking about Eric Gordon, though, and he provides Charlotte with exactly what they need - a young scorer on the wing that is capable of shooting the lights out of the basketball. If Charlotte ever figured out a way to revive Gordon's play and keep him healthy, then the Hornets would be extremely happy because I think that the Eric Gordon of old is the exact player that would help Charlotte take another step towards contending for a championship in the future.
Where would YOU like to see Lance Stephenson be traded?
Vote in the poll on the home page (If you are viewing this on your mobile phone or tablet, scroll to the bottom and tap "View Web Version" to be able to vote). If you vote "Other," feel free to comment where in the comment selection below.
Why it works for New Orleans - I think that the Pelicans are one piece away from seriously contending for a playoff spot in the West (the only reason they are even in contention now is because of Oklahoma City's injury-plagued start to the season - and some guy named Anthony Davis). That piece could be Lance Stephenson. The promise that Eric Gordon once showed has been no where to be seen since he arrived in the Big Easy and he is once again out with injury. Austin Rivers has also been subpar since being selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2012 draft. So, I imagine it would be quite easy for New Orleans to let those two players go. In return for those two players, the Pelicans would receive Gerald Henderson, a solid contributor off the bench, and, of course, Lance Stephenson. It could be argued that Stephenson and current starting shooting guard for the Pelicans (usually plays SF unless Gordon is out), Tyreke Evans, are too similar of a player to co-exist. However, putting the two together on the wings could work wonders for a team still searching for an identity beyond superstar Anthony Davis in a extremely tough Western Conference. If they were a backcourt or a frontcourt that had too similar of a game, then there could be issues (e.g. current Walker-Stephenson backcourt in Charlotte) but this isn't a backcourt or frontcourt. This is two young, talented players that could learn to co-exist and help New Orleans realise its potential without Eric Gordon and his massive contract.
Why it works for Charlotte - Eric Gordon has been a dud, not a stud, since he was traded to the Big Easy as part of the trade that saw Chris Paul move to the Los Angeles Clippers. His scoring numbers have taken a dip each season, as injuries and not being where he wanted to be derailed his bright future but ... what if Charlotte helped revive the Eric Gordon of old? The future all-star Eric Gordon? The exciting scorer Eric Gordon? The Eric Gordon that was considered for selection in the 2012 Olympics for Team USA? It feels like Gordon has been around forever but he's still only 25 years of age. Oh, yes, and I just remembered. The Hornets also happen to have some guy in their franchise named Michael Jordan. Someone told me he was a shooting guard in the NBA once upon a time and I hear he was pretty good at scoring the basketball, among other things. Maybe that guy could help Eric Gordon become the Eric Gordon of old. Gordon desperately needs a fresh start - he did try to leave New Orleans in the 2012 offseason but he was a restricted free agent and New Orleans matched the offer sheet he signed with the Phoenix Suns. A trade to Charlotte would give Gordon just the fresh start he needs. Another player who would like to revive his play from years past is former lottery pick Austin Rivers. The son of legendary coach Doc Rivers, Austin has been disappointing thus far in his career but Charlotte could perhaps give Rivers a second chance and help him realise his potential. Back to talking about Eric Gordon, though, and he provides Charlotte with exactly what they need - a young scorer on the wing that is capable of shooting the lights out of the basketball. If Charlotte ever figured out a way to revive Gordon's play and keep him healthy, then the Hornets would be extremely happy because I think that the Eric Gordon of old is the exact player that would help Charlotte take another step towards contending for a championship in the future.
Where would YOU like to see Lance Stephenson be traded?
Vote in the poll on the home page (If you are viewing this on your mobile phone or tablet, scroll to the bottom and tap "View Web Version" to be able to vote). If you vote "Other," feel free to comment where in the comment selection below.
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