Fansided

NBA Free Agency 2016: 5 best fits for Lance Stephenson

By Charles Rahrig V

Apr 9, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Lance Stephenson (1) looks for a foul during the final seconds of the game against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. The Warriors won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Lance Stephenson (1) looks for a foul during the final seconds of the game against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. The Warriors won 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 6
Next

These are the five best fits for Lance Stephenson in NBA free agency.

Next: Best All-Time Starting 5 From Every NBA Team

Another player officially became a free agent on Monday.

According to Shams Charania, the Memphis Grizzlies have declined Lance Stephenson’s $9.4 million option for next season. The Grizzlies did a tremendous job of nimbly navigating through the trade deadline, acquiring Stephenson and getting a first-round pick, which was one of their best moves.

Although they were swept in the first round, the Grizzlies suffered injuries to their roster last season that went beyond even the starters on the roster. By the end of the year, aging veterans and developmental players were getting stars on the roster.

Stephenson stepped in and provided huge minutes to the Grizzlies and looked a lot like the player that earned himself a big contract in free agency a couple of years ago. It’s not entirely surprising the Grizzlies declined his option, as they are set to throw a lot of money at point guard Mike Conley.

Still, with the way Stephenson raised his value again in Memphis, there exists a chance that some team might pay him similar to what he was set to be paid this season because of the sharp salary cap increase.

With Stephenson now free to choose where he plays next in the NBA, these five teams would be great destinations for him next.

Next: 5. Chicago Bulls

Home/Chicago Bulls