Despite the obvious mutual interest between the Indiana Pacers and their shooting guard Lance Stephenson, the two sides are currently in a deadlock over a new contract, sources with inside knowledge of the situation reveal.
The Pacers deal involved a five year, $44 million contract to Stephenson, but reports suggest that the dynamic shooting guard, who averaged a career-high 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists, and led the league in triple-doubles last season, feels that the offer is not enough for his talents and what he can bring on the court.
"Lance and his representatives aren't sure they're going to be able to reach an agreement with the Pacers," a source said. "It's clear they want him back and he wanted to go back, but they may not be able to come to terms."
A handful of teams have made contact with Stephenson's agent, Alberto Ebanks, to make their interest known, particularly Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls, according to reports from various sources. While the Bull's top priority this offseason is landing LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony, Stephenson is their best contingency plan if they fail on acquiring any of the superstar forwards.
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times writes: "If they fail to land a star of the magnitude of Anthony or James, there is a consolation prize. The Bulls would love to nab Lance Stephenson from the Indiana Pacers, move Jimmy Butler to the three and add highly touted Nikola Mirotic after using the amnesty clause on Carlos Boozer."
If the Bulls successfully land Stephenson this summer, then they will have a formidable starting five next season, on paper at least, with Derrick Rose, Stephenson, Mirotic/Taj Gibson, and Joakim Noah. This would surely elevate the Bulls status from playoff threat to a legitimate championship threat when healthy and at full force.
And while Anthony may be a far better scorer than Stephenson is right now, and James a better overall player, he could become an ideal fit in Tom Thibodeau's defensive oriented system that requires grit and toughness--which Stephenson clearly has plenty of.
If the Indiana Pacers and Stephenson ultimately fail on landing a deal and LeBron, and Melo snubs Chicago as their next destination, then we may be seeing Stephenson making some noise in the East with a Bulls jersey.
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