Former Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson has signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Indiana Pacers. The deal includes a team option after the second season.
Stephenson, who is only 23 years old, was selected by the Pacers with the 40th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft. Last season, he had a breakout season, averaging career-highs of 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He shot 49.1 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from long-range (also career-highs). Stephenson also led the league in triple-doubles with five.
While the Pacers did attempt to re-sign him, Stephenson rejected their five-year, $44 million offer, and refused to offer him a shorter deal. He also drew interest from the Dallas Mavericks, who were prepared to offer him a two-year, $20 million contract in the case that the Houston Rockets decided to match their offer sheet on Chandler Parsons.
In response to the news, Pacers center Roy Hibbert tweeted the following:
@StephensonLance Damn bro gonna miss having you around. One of the funniest teammates I've ever had. Dinner on you when we come to Char!
— Roy Hibbert (@Hoya2aPacer) July 16, 2014
In a statement after the signing, Stephenson’s agent, Alberto Ebanks, had this to say:
“Lance is forever grateful for all the love he’s received from Pacers fans. He is especially grateful to his teammates, Frank Vogel, [team owner] Herb Simon, the Pacers management, and most of all, Larry Bird.”
“While we tried our best to come to the best possible terms for both sides, there was not sufficient flexibility in the terms of the contract, particularly the length of the contract.”
“Reports throughout the negotiation process with Indiana have often strayed from the truth but suffice it to say that it was less about the money. Lance will miss the city, the team and the mentor who helped transform him into the dynamic player he has become. He looks forward to making a strong contribution and beginning a new chapter with the Charlotte Hornets.”
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