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INDIANAPOLIS — NBA Free Agency begins July 1st. 

It was announced earlier this week that the Indiana Pacers will not be picking up the contract option for Lance Stephenson once free agency begins, which means Stephenson will be an unrestricted free agent at the start of next month.

“This was a very difficult decision, but as free agency begins on July 1, we want to have flexibility so that we can prepare for all of our available options,” said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard.

Pacers guard Victor Oladipo says he’s spoken with Lance since the decision was made.

“He’s doing good. He’s in great spirits,” Oladipo said Wednesday. “He’s a great person and a great human being. It was an honor and a privilege to play with him last year. He’s going to be alright.”

Oladipo returned to Indianapolis from Los Angeles Wednesday after being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player.

Lance’s final year of his contract is worth around $4 million. He could still be in a Pacers uniform next season but it’s likely he would have to take a pay cut to do so. 

The Pacers also have yet to hear from Thaddeus Young. He is entering the final year of his contract and he has not made a decision on whether he will stick around for that year or if he will test free agency.

(PHOTO: Joe Robbins/Getty Images)