The Iowa Wolves, who are the G League affiliate franchise for the Minnesota Timberwolves, announced on Monday that they have acquired Indiana Pacers fan favorite guard Lance Stephenson.
Iowa grabbed the returning player rights to Stephenson in a trade. They sent the rights to guard Craig Randall II to the Grand Rapids Gold in exchange — Stephenson played for the Gold during the 2021-22 G League season.
At the time, he played in 12 showcase cup games, and he averaged 19.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game for Grand Rapids. Later that season, he would get NBA call ups with both the Atlanta Hawks and the Pacers. He finished the season with Indiana, where he averaged 9.3 points and 3.9 assists per game across 40 outings. That was his last stretch in the NBA.
Stephenson is a fan favorite in Indiana. He was a part of the franchise's most recent Eastern Conference Finals squad and had his best-ever season with the Pacers. His style of play is attractive to fans, and many of his most memorable moments came with the blue and gold.
The 33-year old guard last played in Puerto Rico. He shared over the summer that he hopes his next NBA team is one of the squads located in New York.
Stephenson recently attended the Pacers In-Season Tournament title game against the Los Angeles Lakers. He has played for both franchises during his career. He told Fieldhouse Files at the event that he wasn't sure what his next steps are as a player.
Iowa is 3-9 so far this season and next plays on Thursday. That could be the day that the former Pacer returns to the hardwood in the G League. Stephenson also has a stint with Minnesota, and they have an open roster spot, so perhaps the veteran guard could return to the NBA this season. Any team is free to sign him, not just the Timberwolves.
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