LAS VEGAS — Following an all-night negotiating session, the Charlotte Hornets have come to an agreement to sign Indiana Pacers shooting guard Lance Stephenson.
Under terms of the agreement, Stephenson will make $9 million in 2014-15 and $9 million in 2015-16. Stephenson will get a slight raise in 2016-17 if the Hornets pick up the team option.
Stephenson fills an obvious need, as the Hornets were weak offensively at the shooting guard and small forward positions. The 6-foot-5 playmaker had a breakthrough season statistically, averaging 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists. He shot 49 percent from the field and 35 percent from three-point range.
However, he has a quirky personality that seem to have limited his market when he became an unrestricted free agent July 1.
The Pacers offered Stephenson $44 million over five seasons, and reportedly did not come off that number. Stephenson thought he was worth considerably more.
Wednesday, Stephenson tweeted:
“Indy, I had a great 4 years. Thank you Larry Bird, the fans, my coaches and teammates for the incredible experience. I will never forget any of you! I now have to look to the next phase of my career and the wonderful opportunity to continue to grow as a player and as a person in Charlotte! I’m excited to play for this franchise and the fans!! #buzzcity”
Tuesday, following the summer Board of Governors meeting, Pacers owner Herb Simon reiterated to the Indianapolis Star that his franchise believes its offer to Stephenson is more than fair.
“We made him a wonderful offer and they didn’t think it was enough, so it’s a simple situation,” Simon told the Star.
The Hornets met with Stephenson’s representatives Tuesday night in Las Vegas, where the team is playing in summer league. Stephenson got slightly more money per season by coming to Charlotte, but for fewer guaranteed years.
The Hornets have plenty of cap room to make this deal. Their first choice was restricted free agent Gordon Hayward, who was offered $63 million over four years. But the Utah Jazz matched that offer sheet Saturday.
In the same span Josh McRoberts, the Hornets’ starting power forward last season, chose to sign with the Miami Heat for $23 million over four years.
Pacers get Stuckey for 1 year
LAS VEGAS — A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that the Indiana Pacers have agreed to terms with free agent guard Rodney Stuckey on a one-year deal to help replace the departed Lance Stephenson.
Stuckey and the Pacers came to the agreement on Wednesday, one day after the Charlotte Hornets swooped in to land Stephenson. Terms of the deal, which was first reported by USA Today, were not immediately available. The person requested anonymity because an official announcement has not been made.
Stuckey averaged 13.9 points last season, his seventh season with the Detroit Pistons.
Cavs, James Jones agree on minimum deal
The Cleveland Cavaliers are moving quickly to surround LeBron James with shooters, and it probably helps that James knows exactly what he’s getting.
A day after the Cavs locked up James’ buddy and former teammate Mike Miller, they agreed to terms with Miami Heat free agent James Jones on a one-year, veteran-minimum contract, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Jones, who spent the previous four seasons playing with James in Miami, will earn $1.4 million next season. The person requested anonymity because an official announcement has not been made.
Suns reach 2-year deal with Tolliver
PHOENIX — Two people with knowledge of the situation say free agent Anthony Tolliver has agreed to a two-year, $6 million contract with the Phoenix Suns.
Both spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been officially announced.
Only $400,000 of the second year of the contract is guaranteed.
The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 6.1 points and 2.6 rebounds in 64 games last season with Charlotte, his sixth team in six NBA seasons. Tolliver shot 42 percent from 3-point range, and the Suns see him as a “stretch forward” to help fill the void created by the departure of Channing Frye, who opted out of the final year of his contract and signed with Orlando.
Warriors, Brandon Rush agree to 2-year deal
OAKLAND, Calif. — Brandon Rush and the Golden State Warriors are headed for a reunion.
Rush and the Warriors agreed to a two-year, $2.5 million contract Wednesday. Rush’s agent, Mark Bartelstein, said the small forward will hold the option in the second year of the deal.
Rush was Golden State’s top reserve and best perimeter defender during the 2011-12 season before tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the team’s 2012-13 home opener. He was traded to Utah last summer as part of a salary shedding move that allowed the Warriors to sign Andre Iguodala away from Denver.
By wire sources
