On what's next for Lance Stephenson and the Pacers

He's settled into his role and is averaging 20 points per game over the last week. But his 10-day hardship contract expired on Tuesday.

Update: 4:25 p.m. ET: Lance Stephenson has signed a second 10-day contract with the Pacers via the hardship exception. This was the most likely scenario and maximizes the team’s flexibility, as outlined below.

The hardship exception is still available to the Pacers because they have at least two players in the health and safety protocols. (They currently have four.)

---

Lance Stephenson’s contract with the Pacers expired on Tuesday.

He originally signed a 10-day hardship exception since the team had eight players in the health and safety protocols. It began on Jan. 1 and lasted through Monday’s game on Jan. 10.

But now what?