Many assume free agent Lance Stephenson has some interest in returning back to where it all began for him, the Indiana Pacers. Judging from the countless amount of pro-Pacer tweets he has recently liked on Twitter, his interest might be higher than what many assume.
In fact, Stephenson has already discussed the possibility of joining Indiana on a multi-year deal, according to Nate Taylor of IndyStar Sports.
But in negotiations, there are two sides to the spectrum; The team, and the player. While rumors are swirling Stephenson is eyeing a comeback, Pacers President Larry Bird quickly put these rumors to rest — for now — with this comment on Friday:
Bird on Lance: “I think Lance and his agent are doing the talking… Right now probably a very slim chance” on #Pacers reunion.
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) July 8, 2016
Stephenson, who was selected by Indiana in the 2010 draft, played for the Pacers from 2010-’14. Stephenson’s best season of his career came with the Pacers in 2013-’14, where he averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per contest.
Stephenson was a part of the 2012, 2013, and 2014 Eastern Conference runner-up team that lost to the Miami Heat in three straight Eastern Conference Finals.
Known for his ankle breaking moves, jaw dropping slams, no look passes, and get-in-your-head style of play, Stephenson made a name for himself with the Pacers. His solid play in 2014 eventually led to Michael Jordan’s Charlotte Hornets giving him a three-year, $27 million contract that offseason, paving the way for his departure from Indiana.
His stints with Charlotte and Los Angeles were brief, as he was later dealt to Memphis in his second season away from Indiana. Stephenson remains open to re-signing with the Grizzlies despite eyeing a potential Pacers’ reunion, a source told Nate Taylor:
Indiana is one of the few teams that Stephenson is considering after the first three days of the NBA’s free agency period. He also has interest in possibly re-signing with the Grizzlies, who acquired him in February before the trade deadline.
Miami, who lost Dwyane Wade to Chicago earlier this week, is also thought to be considering a run at Stephenson.
Stephenson bounced back last season with the Clippers and Grizzlies. His first season with Charlotte, he shot 38% from the field and 17% from deep. Last season, he shot 48% from the field, along with a much improved 39% from deep.
Stephenson holds career averages of 8.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3 assists in 25 minutes per game with Indiana, Charlotte, Los Angeles, and Memphis.
