Lance Stephenson has been on a dramatic career decline since he blew in the ear of LeBron James during a 2014 playoff game. In the summer of 2014, Lance was a free agent and he was a hot commodity. The guard was viewed as someone who could run the offense and then takeover if needed. He filled a fantastic role with the Indiana Pacers, scoring when called upon and posting triple-doubles as part of an intricate cog in the Pacers offense.
Since then, his value has plummeted at an astronomically questionable rate considering where he once was. He was seen as a potential All-Star for years to come and many were excited about his potential. Stephenson will start the next season at only 26-years-old and as of now, he’s a free agent and there might not be too many teams lining up for him.
Following from Shams Charania of The Vertical on Yahoo! Sports.
The Memphis Grizzlies are declining guard Lance Stephenson’s $9.4 million team option for next season, league sources told The Vertical.
The Grizzlies declined the option in order to keep as much cap space as possible, sources said, as they hope to retain point guard Mike Conley, who is an unrestricted free agent after nine seasons with the Grizzlies.
Stephenson, 25, will aso become an unrestricted free agent. There remains interest in a possible return to the Grizzlies as well as interest from other organizations, sources said. Stephenson showed with Memphis that he can have an impact as a playmaker and source of energy.
In the summer of 2014, Stephenson signed a three-year deal with Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets, viewed as a nice running mate to place alongside Kemba Walker and a good facilitator to work with Al Jefferson in the post. That went the complete opposite way. In 2014-15 with the Hornets, Lance shot an NBA record 17% from three-point range and things only got worse once he was traded. With the Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies he was seen as more of a comedy act than a real player. He had some flashes once he was traded to Memphis but nothing substantial.
Someone will take a chance on Lance, the question is, who would want to run that potential risk and how long will they sign him?
