The Indiana Pacers have declined to exercise Lance Stephenson’s $4.3 million team option for the 2018-19 season to maintain as much financial flexibility as possible, reports Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports.
“Can’t commit either way right now,” Kevin Pritchard said earlier in the offseason on ESPN 1070’s the Dan Dakich show with regard to Stephenson. “There is no doubt that he is important to us.
“He’s a Pacer.”
Having yet to be officially informed of Thaddeus Young’s decision on his $13.7 million player option before the arrival of the due date (June 25) to take action on the fan-favorite’s future with the team, letting the crowd-pleasing guard walk (again) is going to be a tough sell unless Indiana’s brass is confident they’re set up to have the cap space to go “big-game fishing” or at the very least can soften the blow with an upgrade.