Report: Lance Stephenson might have to play overseas
Aside from the inevitable fates of LeBron James and J.R. Smith, free agency has mostly wrapped up.
All that's left are fringe players hoping for camp invites, ring-chasing veterans waiting to sign for the minimum, and one Lance Stephenson, who remains without a stateside suitor despite enjoying a bounce-back season.
Stephenson was solid for the Memphis Grizzlies last season, but Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe reports that Stephenson might have to look overseas for employment.
Washburn says it's uncertain as to why the Grizzlies turned down a $9-million team option, but adds that teams could be scared off by Stephenson's personality.
The 25-year-old swingman has bounced around the league since since rising to prominence as a member of the Indiana Pacers. Stephenson was traded twice within the span of eight months as he failed to impress with the Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Stephenson was able to recapture his former success upon landing in Memphis. He averaged 14.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists while shooting 35.5 percent from deep for a severely shorthanded Grizzlies squad.
But for the time being, NBA teams remain unimpressed.
- with h/t Eye on Basketball