Lance returns to Indiana on a five-year deal worth $27.5M

by BizGilwalker (HOU) Wed Mar 26, 2014 3:14 pm

Lance Stephenson Remains In Indiana

After a terrific showing in the 2014 playoffs, Lance Stephenson was awarded by the Pacers with a five-year contract worth more than $27M. He was the sixth man that kept them in many games, as he averaged 14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal on terrific shooting percentages in 26 minutes per game. His tenacity in both ends paid off as the 24-year-old, still with room to grow, earned every penny of a contract that will pay him $4,900,000 in 2014-15 and increase by $300,000 annually. Lance holds a player option for the fifth and final year of the contract, which would pay him $6,100,000 in 2018-19.

"We are thrilled to have him back", says Pacers GM Biz Gilwalker. "He is an integral part of the team, even with other wings on the roster, his 110% effort on the floor is contagious."

The 6'6 wing emerged late last season after being a mere role player for much of his career prior to last season. The Pacers expect to see numbers closer to what they saw from him in the 2014 playoffs.