The Charlotte Hornets have signed former Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson to a three-year, $27 million deal. Stephenson signs with the Hornets after turning down the Pacers' five-year, $44 million offer that they refused to back off from on July 1.
3 yrs $27 million Lance to Charlotte, "@rick_bonnell: The Charlotte Hornets will sign Lance Stephenson, the Observer has learned."
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 16, 2014
The Hornets finally grab some free agent talent after striking out on Gordon Hayward earlier in the process. The Hornets signed Hayward to a max contract, but, as a restricted free agent, the Utah Jazz had the option to match, which they did. Stephenson joins a solid nucleus of players in Charlotte that includes Al Jefferson, Kemba Walker and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist as the team attempts to return to the playoffs in 2014-15.
Stephenson’s on-court antics were a minor concern for the Hornets front office, but all their worries were put to rest when owner Michael Jordan, general manager Rich Cho and coach Steve Clifford met with Stephenson in Las Vegas. The Hornets front office brass decided soon after the meeting to make the offer to Stephenson, which he accepted.
Stephenson had a career year in 2013-14 as he averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game while starting in 78 games for the Pacers. Stephenson's contract with Charlotte includes a team option in the third year.
Lance Stephenson is officially gone, he's gone to the Charlotte Hornets for a 3 year, $27 million deal. He rejected 5 year, $44 million. — Indy Sports News (@sports_indy) July 16, 2014
[ESPN]
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