Lance Stephenson Has Reportedly Signed With The Playmaking-Starved Pelicans

Free-agent guard Lance Stephenson has agreed to a contract with the New Orleans Pelicans, league sources told The Vertical. Chicago-based Priority Sports, Stephenson’s new representation, confirmed the agreement via Twitter on Friday afternoon but did not reveal terms.

Stephenson, who split time with the Clippers and Grizzlies a year ago, appeared destined to ply his trade elsewhere after receiving little free agent interest.

The Grizzlies were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs, with Stephenson averaging 13 points per game.

Despite the former Cincinnati standout’s solid play, the Grizzlies made a decision to decline their team option, which allowed Stephenson to become an unrestricted free agent.

Stephenson instantly became one of the most intriguing players on the open market because of the up-and-down nature of his career.

In his third season with the Pacers, Stephenson finally broke through and gave the Pacers a playmaking shooting guard next to Paul George, as he emerged as the team’s superstar. Operating with an elite pick-and-roll partner in Anthony Davis should also help Stephenson reassert his worth as a basketball player after a down last couple of seasons. He was sent to Los Angeles by the Hornets, with whom he spent one disappointing season after signing as a free agent and leaving the Pacers.

New Orleans struggled mightily last season, and injuries were a big reason for that.