Not only does Lance Stephenson have a new team, signing a partially guaranteed deal with the New Orleans Pelicans last week, but he also has a new agent.
Priority Sports & Entertainment confirmed to VigilantSports.com on Tuesday that the guard is now being represented by them. That’s notable because attorney Al Ebanks out of New York had served as his agent for his first six seasons (and two contracts) in the NBA.
Priority is headed up by Chicago-based Mark Bartelstein, who also represents Gordon Hayward, David Lee, Taj Gibson, R.J. Hunter, and Robbie Hummel, to name a few.
Stephenson with Pacers assistant coach Popeye Jones.
Stephenson and his camp turned down the Pacers’ offer for $44 million over five years in July, 2014, and opted to bet on himself by signing with Charlotte for three years, $27 million.
[Examining the Lance Stephenson Saga]
However, only the first two seasons were guaranteed ($18 million), and the Grizzlies declined to exercise its team option after he spent the final 26 games last season in Memphis.
Therefore, the 26-year-old earned $18 million total for the last two years.
As big money was being spent in early July, Stephenson found himself waiting. He told VigilantSports.com that “If (given) a chance I would love to come back home,” in response to the possibility of a reunion.
Ebanks then added, via text message, “Our number one priority is finding the right fit for him. Lance still has close friends there and would absolutely be open to that. He loved his time there and has always been grateful for all the support he has gotten from Pacers fans over the years.”
Stephenson ultimately accepted an offer with New Orleans for the league minimum and $100,000 guaranteed, per Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical. He will wear No. 5.
Much like Rodney Stuckey with the Pacers during the 2014-15 season, Stephenson will need to use this opportunity — with his fourth team in three seasons post-Pacers — to repair his image that clearly cost him in free agency. He is a good guy, often misunderstood. The talent is there; that we know.
Now he must show teams that he is a pro.
[Stephenson enjoys talk ‘about the old times’ with Paul George, George Hill]