The Indiana Pacers are bringing back former Brooklyn Lincoln High School star Lance Stephenson for three years with a team option for the third year, league sources told ZAGSBLOG.
The deal is for $12 million, The Vertical reported.
The Pacers also waived guard Rodney Stuckey.
In 2010, Indiana drafted the 6-foot-5 Stephenson in the second round after and one-and-done season at Cincinnati. He played for the Pacers from 2010-14 but then rejected a five-year, $44 million contract offer, opting to test the open market. In July 2014, he landed with the Charlotte Hornets on a three-year, $27-million deal and then bounced around the league, spending time with the Clippers, Grizzlies, Pelicans and Timberwolves.
The Pelicans released him in November to sign Archie Goodwin after Stephenson suffered a groin injury.
After undergoing surgery on the groin, Stephenson signed a 10-day contract in February with the Timberwolves. Minnesota then released him earlier this month.
In seven NBA seasons, Stephenson has averaged 8.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists. During the 2013-14 season in Indiana, where Larry Bird was a staunch supporter of his talents, Stephenson averaged 13.8 points and 7.2 rebounds.
At 37-37, the Pacers are currently the No. 7 seed in the East.
