The Charlotte Hornets might be willing to deal center Bismack Biyombo, who is reportedly drawing interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets have expressed interest in sending center / power forward Brook Lopez to the Hornets in exchange for New York native Lance Stephenson, a source close to situation reported on Wednesday.
Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors reported that Biyombo's name has been mentioned few times as possible target for the Cavaliers, who direly need a shot-blocking defensive anchor in the middle.
"I think Bismack Biyombo's name has come up a time or two in these chats, and I think he'd be a fit, especially with the Hornets seemingly in flux right now," according to Myron during this week's chat session on Hoops Rumors.
Biyombo, who is averaging 3.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 14 minutes per game, is playing in the final year of his rookie contract that pays him $3.8M. Like Cavs' point guard Kyrie Irving, Biyombo is one of lottery selections in the 2011 NBA Draft. However, the 22-year old big man's defensive acumen, particularly in protecting the rim, is overshadowed by his struggle on the offensive end.
The Nets, on the other hand, are also starting to make their move in hope of injecting some youth to their lineup. Brooklyn is reportedly very much interested in acquiring Stephenson, who has been a bust for the Hornets after signing a three-year, $27M deal last summer.
According to sources, Nets general manager Billy King is willing to prepare a package consists of Lopez and some draft picks in exchange for Stephenson, who is averaging 10.2 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game for the 6-9 Hornets.
"The 26-year-old Lopez, whose seven seasons with the Nets make him the team's longest-tenured player, has been mentioned in trade talks between the Nets and Charlotte Hornets, according to a report from Yahoo! Sports," via Wall Street Journal.
"The Nets would theoretically take back swingman and Brooklyn native Lance Stephenson in any deal with Charlotte."
