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Charlotte Hornets Trade Rumors: Dealing With Nets or Pacers?

By Brandon Osborne

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Would the Charlotte Hornets be better off working a trade out with the Brooklyn Nets or the Indiana Pacers?

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When it comes to the Nets, Brooklyn has made it known that they are open to trading any of their aging stars, and rumors have come up suggesting that the Charlotte Hornets could trade Lance Stephenson to Brooklyn in exchange for Brook Lopez and Joe Johnson.

The Hornets would presumably have to give a draft pick or maybe multiple 2nd round picks to help make the deal come into fruition. The Nets are rumored to be looking to shed payroll to attract a new buyer for the team, and Charlotte needs help badly on offensive end.

Acquiring Johnson and Lopez would not only improve the Hornets offense instantly, it could give them the best postgame in the NBA, as both Al Jefferson and Lopez are polished players in the post. With that big of a threat down low, it would surely lead to open looks for Joe Johnson and others, however the Hornets still lack shooters from three-point range.

The Nets have made it known that they’re interested in Stephenson, as he grew up in the area and has said that he’d love to play for his hometown team. It’s hard to imagine him not having a bigger role in Brooklyn than in Charlotte, which is something that seems to have bothered him.

Stephenson returning to his NBA home?

The Pacers are Stephenson’s old team, as in he was playing for them last season and just spurned their offer for less money to sign with the Hornets. After all the turmoil and rumors it’s hard to imagine the Pacers taking him back, but that decision is ultimately up to Larry Bird.

Indiana would presumably offer Charlotte George Hill and David West for Stephenson, but they would also want draft picks with rumors suggesting they want a first rounder. If the Charlotte Hornets gave up a first round pick with Stephenson, it would seem like a solid deal for both clubs. West and Hill not only would help the offense but they come from a defensive oriented club, and Hornets’ coach Steve Clifford is a defensive-minded coach. The trade would boost not only the Hornets’ pedestrian offense, but also help solidify a defense that has become much worst compared to last year’s sixth ranked defense.

A Verdict?

As for which trade is better, its hard to say. The Nets deal has much more firepower and comes with two big time names, but Johnson is getting older and Lopez has a history with injuries. As for the Pacers deal, the move would help Charlotte in multiple areas, but West also has issues with injuries and Hill has moments where he struggles with his shot.

Its hard to know what deals have been thrown at Charlotte, but if either of these two rumored deals have surfaced, Charlotte would be wise to take either one.

If the Charlotte Hornets want a major boost to the offense, then take the trade with Brooklyn. If they are looking for a little help on offense and a little help on defense, then take the Pacers trade.

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