INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indiana Pacers signed Lance Stephenson to a 3-year deal to come back to the team, according to ESPN's Chris Haynes.
Stephenson, a polarizing guard who played for the Pacers for four seasons, has been without a team since the Minnesota Timberwolves chose not re-sign him after a 10-day contract earlier this month.
Haynes reported Stephenson and the Pacers agreed to a 3-year, $12 million deal, with a team option on the third year.
Stephenson left the Pacers for the Charlotte Hornets for a 3-year, $27 million deal, turning down a longer, $44 million contract with Indiana. He lasted one year with Charlotte.
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He's since played for the following teams:
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Memphis Grizzlies
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Minnesota Timberwolves
Stephenson averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists his last year in Indiana, numbers he hasn't really came close to in his time after the Pacers.
To make room, the Pacers waived guard Rodney Stuckey, who was with the team for three years.
Outside of Indiana, Stephenson may be best known for blowing in LeBron James' ear in a playoff game to distract him.
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And perhaps the best part? If the NBA playoffs started today, the Indiana Pacers would play against James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Reaction to Stephenson's return has been mixed by fans. Many think even if he doesn't solve the current problems, at least he'll be entertaining.
This is like the marriage that is falling apart, so instead of getting divorced, you have a 3rd kid
— Tony Donohue (@TonyD1070) March 29, 2017
@DaveFurst good lance or bad lance, he's still more exciting to watch than ANY player on the current team
— keyser söze (@ashinkusher187) March 29, 2017
