5 Players Who Should Be on the Pacers Trade Deadline Wish List

December 18, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson (15) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 18, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson (15) during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Thunder 114-109. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; Charlotte Hornets shooting guard Lance Stephenson (1) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Lance Stephenson

Last but not least, Stephenson’s name has not stopped flowing in trade rumors during the last couple months, and his play since returning from a groin injury has done nothing to change that.

Lance stays averaging fewer than 10 points per game and shooting less than 40 percent from the field for the Hornets, which is definitely not what they’re paying him $9 million this year to do.

Kemba Walker will be out of the Charlotte’s lineup for a few more weeks after his knee injury, and Stephenson has failed to adequately replace him. It seems more likely that the Hornets will continue to dangle him in their search for someone better to hold things down in Walker’s stead, especially as Lance continues to flop.

If they become more eager to deal him, say, including a first-round pick in the deal, the Pacers might be more willing to listen, though their lack of interest earlier in the year would seem to indicate that a Born Ready homecoming won’t be happening.

Next: David West Makes No Excuses