Grizzlies decline Lance Stephenson’s option, could still bring him back

Lance Stephenson will be a free agent after the Memphis Grizzlies declined his $9.4 million team option for next season.

After spending his first four seasons with the Indiana Pacers, Stephenson signed a 3-year, $27 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets in free agency, which turned out to be a disaster Stephenson blamed on Charlotte. The deal paid him $9 million in each of the first two seasons and then had the team option for the third year, which the Grizzlies decided not to exercise.

Stephenson played 69 games last season, including 43 with the Clippers and 26 with the Grizzlies after being traded to Memphis. He shot 48.1 percent last season, averaging 15 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

Stephenson has expressed interest in returning to Memphis, so perhaps the Grizzlies will want him back on a reduced salary. Other teams should also be interested in him for much less than the $9 million he was making last season.

News of the Grizzlies’ decision was first reported by The Vertical’s Shams Charania.