Lance Stephenson’s time in New Orleans will apparently be short-lived.
According to a report by Shams Charania of The Vertical on Sunday, the Pelicans are planning to release Stephenson to create room to sign free agent guard Archie Goodwin.
Stephenson, 26, is out indefinitely after being diagnosed over the weekend with a groin injury that will require surgery. He was signed to a one-year minimum deal with just $100,000 guaranteed over the offseason, so waiving him would come at minimal financial cost to the Pelicans. Stephenson’s NBA future may very much be in question now considering that it took him until September to get that offer from New Orleans, his fifth different team in the last two-and-a-half years.
Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Goodwin averaged 8.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game for the Phoenix Suns last season and will get a chance to contribute right away for a banged-up New Orleans team.
