Stephenson jokes he'll tie George to a chair to keep him with Pacers

Lance Stephenson is locked in with the Indiana Pacers through at least the 2017-18 season after signing a three-year contract with an option for the final year.

Paul George, on the other hand, may not be around to join him. The Pacers reportedly shopped George to several teams prior to the Feb. 23 trade deadline, in fear of losing the All-Star next summer when he can become an unrestricted free agent by rejecting a $20.5-million player option.

Where George ultimately ends up - whether he's traded or walks in 2018 - is completely out of Stephenson's hands.

Unless ...

"I gotta get all my guys, tie him up on a chair, and say, 'You ain't going nowhere, Paul George,'" Stephenson told Fox Sports' Derek Schultz.

Both Stephenson and George are members of the 2010 draft class, with Stephenson (No. 40) going 30 picks after his teammate. They played four seasons together until Stephenson left to join the Charlotte Hornets in 2014.

The Pacers have lost two of their three outings since Stephenson's return, but are coming off an impressive 18-point comeback against the Toronto Raptors Tuesday, five nights after falling by 11 to Toronto at the Air Canada Centre.

Ahead of Stephenson's arrival, George said that the two had shared "special memories" during their first stint together, adding that they've "definitely got a bond" on the court.