Apr 29, 2018; Cleveland, OH, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) reacts after being called for a foul against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first half in game seven of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
NBABy Liam McGuire on

On Tuesday afternoon, the Pacers announced the decision not to renew the $4.36 million team option on shooting guard Lance Stephenson’s contract. One person who wasn’t impressed with the move? Former Pacers All-Star Paul George.

George, who suited up with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017-18 and is a free agent, took to Instagram to express shocked at the Pacers’ decision. He wrote “Wow and I was the bad guy huh?! In this business you do what’s right for YOU!” with the hashtag #PacersLegend.

George’s frustrations are understandable.

Stephenson was one of the Pacers glue guys, averaging 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists in 82 games last season. In the playoffs, he contributed offensively while doing his best to agitate LeBron.

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For $4.3 million, the Pacers let go of a fan favorite who was productive and incredibly likeable. It’s not a completely baffling decision (Indiana wants to save some $$) but Stephenson’s deal seemed like a good one more than a bad one.

With Stephenson hitting free agency, let’s see if he can sustain success outside of Indiana – something he’s had trouble with. Perhaps, the right thing to do is team up with George again. That’d be rad.

About Liam McGuire

Social +Staff writer for The Comeback & Awful Announcing. Liammcguirejournalism@gmail.com

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