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Days after RealGM reported that Lance Stephenson wants to eventually play for his hometown team, the Brooklyn Nets, Adrian Wojnarowski tweets that the Nets and Hornets have had initial contact. But Brooklyn, along with the Clippers have "yet to show serious interest" in the 6'5" swingman, Woj writes. Woj doesn't say who made the initial contact.
After brief contact w/ Hornets, Nets and Clippers researching Stephenson's time in Charlotte, but yet to show serious interest, sources say.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) December 14, 2014
Woj noted in his article that the Hornets may be interested in Nets' big man Brook Lopez, who the team nearly signed to an offer sheet in 2012 when he was a restricted free agent. Woj wrote about the Hornets willingness to take on one of the Nets three big-salary players.
Charlotte has been open to discussing the Nets' big-salary stars as part of a broader Stephenson package, including Lopez and Joe Johnson, sources said. The combination of a third year on Deron Williams' deal – as well as the emergence of Walker as the franchise's point guard – leaves Charlotte uninterested in acquiring Williams, league sources said.
Woj added that the Pacers and Charlotte had talks about the struggling guard, but the talks fell apart in the preliminary stages.
So far, Charlotte's been unwilling to attach a first-round pick to unload Stephenson. That could've kick-started conversation with Pacers.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) December 14, 2014
Sam Amick added later in a tweet that Sacramento is also not interested in Stephenson because of "concerns."
Stephenson signed a three-year, $27 million dollar deal with the Hornets last July, but has struggled mightily with his new club, averaging 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists for the 6-17 Hornets.
The Nets considered drafting Stephenson with a purchased second rounder in 2010, but declined, based on Stephenson's baggage, including an arrest for beating up his girlfriend.
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Sources: Hornets targeting Nets, Pacers to unload Lance Stephenson - Adrian Wojnarowski - Yahoo! Sports