Report: Hornets, Lance Stephenson agree on 3-year deal
The Charlotte Hornets have reached an agreement with free agent shooting guard Lance Stephenson, according to ESPN's Chris Broussard. The move was also confirmed by Sam Amick of USA Today.
The deal is expected to be in the range of $27-million over three years.
Stephenson averaged 13.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game last season. He boasts a wide-ranging skillset, including, most importantly, the ability to facilitate and generate offense. Operating as one of Indiana's main ball-handlers last season, Stephenson led the team in assists. He can also shoot the three, and score in isolation scenarios. Overall, his true-shooting percentage of 56.4 percent ranked above league-average.
The ability to generate offense should provide a major boon for the Hornets, which ranked 24th in offensive efficiency last season. Stephenson steps into the starting lineup, likely in place of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, which provides the team with a significant offensive upgrade.
The move also fits nicely into Charlotte's offseason plans, as they were quite obviously in the market for a young wing. After their offer sheet to guard Gordon Hayward was matched by the Utah Jazz, the Hornets look to have moved onto their plan B in Stephenson.
Lance's move shifts the outlook of the Eastern Conference. His addition to Charlotte allows the team to keep pace with the moves made by those in their division, while Stephenson's departure further cripples an already sub-par Pacer offense.
Also of note, Stephenson reportedly turned down a five-year, $44-million offer from the Pacers earlier this offseason, believing he could command a higher annual average salary. However, although the terms are not yet confirmed, it seems as if Stephenson's prospects didn't improve by much, leaving doubt as to what remains of Stephenson's relationship with the Pacers.
The 23-year-old is not without warts, however, as he built a sullied reputation last postseason with his various histrionics. But, given his age and talent, perhaps those issues wash away with a change in scenery.