Source claims that the two parties may not be able to reach an agreement.
The Indiana Pacers have reportedly offered a five-year deal worth $44m to Lance Stephenson, but it is claimed that the guard believes that he’s worth much more.
Despite a movie tribute and presentation over the past few days, it hasn’t been enough to persuade Stephenson to put pen to paper just yet, with the two sides reaching an impasse over a new deal.
The shooting guard averaged 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists last season, all career-highs after four years in the league, and as a result it is clear that the 23-year-old believes that his value has soared.
“Lance and his representatives aren’t sure they’re going to be able to reach an agreement with the Pacers,” a source said, ESPN reports.
“It’s clear they want him back and he wanted to go back, but they may not be able to come to terms.”
While the Pacers continue to discuss whether or not to offer Stephenson improved terms, it is understood that the Los Angeles Lakers and Chicago Bulls are amongst the interested teams which are closely monitoring his situation.
Chicago will ultimately be prioritising Carmelo Anthony this week as the New York Knicks star continues to listen to recruitment pitches, but should they miss out on him then Stephenson could well become a realistic target.
It is reported that money is a factor for the Pacers star, but he also wants to join a team that is either a contender already or has a competitive roster which will be able to challenge in the immediate future.
The financial aspects of the deal could well see him leave Indiana, given that the Pacers already have Paul George ($15.8m), Roy Hibbert ($14.9m) and David West ($12m) all on lucrative contracts which in turn will likely restrict what they can offer Stephenson.
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