Lance Stephenson #1 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives against Kent Bazemore #24 of the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena on March 12, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo : Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Lance Stephenson will become an unrestricted free agent in July after the Memphis Grizzlies declined to exercise their team option. With just three days left before the free agency period begins, Stephenson is already being linked to several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, Sacramento Kings and Indiana Pacers.
According to Sports Illustrated's FanSided, the Bulls could express interest in Stephenson. The Bulls are now expected to build their team around Jimmy Butler after they traded Derrick Rose to the New York Knicks. Free agents Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol are also expected to sign elsewhere.
Stephenson could become a difference maker for the Bulls next season. The 25-year-old could form a formidable 2-3 combination with Butler, who is open to playing as a shooting guard or a small forward. Like Butler, Stephenson can also play both positions for the Bulls.
On the other hand, the Kings are also lined up among Stephenson's possible landing spot. The Kings already have chemistry issues and adding Stephenson could make things worse. But he could eventually become a good fit because of new Kings coach Dave Joerger.
Stephenson spent the first half of the 2015-16 season with the Los Angeles Clippers but failed to get enough opportunities. He bounced back after he was traded to the Joerger-coached Grizzlies, where he averaged 14.2 points on top of 4.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 26 games.
The Pacers could also decide to reunite with the mercurial guard. The former Cincinnati standout spent the first four years of his career in Indiana before signing with the Charlotte Hornets in 2014.
During his final season in Indiana, Stephenson posted career-highs 13.8 points to go along with 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists. The Pacers could make a run at Stephenson, especially if they find a taker for Monta Ellis this summer. Stephenson could play alongside Paul George or come off the bench to provide toughness to their second unit.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies could also offer a new deal to Stephenson, Yahoo Sports reported. The Grizzlies were impressed with the way the veteran guard provided energy and playmaking options for them this season. Stephenson could eventually stay in Memphis, especially if Mike Conley bolts out this summer.
Watch Stephenson's 2015-16 season highlights below.
