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NBA 2017 Latest News & Updates: Lance Stephenson Could Be Safety Precaution For Ricky Rubio Exit

By Vaughn Dweebs | Update Date: Feb 08, 2017 08:15 PM EST

Lance Stephenson has gotten a new lease on life, given a 10-day contract by the Minnesota Timberwolves. The move is part of the team’s measures to make up for the loss of Zach LaVine. The 21-year-old guard saw his season end abruptly due to an ACL injury, opening up a roster spot.

Lance Stephenson recently tried out with the Cleveland Cavaliers alongside Mario Chalmers, Kirk Hinrich, and Jordan Farmar. The word out is that Farmar has the inside track though nothing has been made official, Cleveland.com reported. Aside from Farmar, the Cavs are considering Jose Calderon of the Los Angeles Lakers. There is a chance that a trade could be an alternative.

For Stephenson, this should be a new lease on life. He last played for the Pelicans but was subsequently waived in November 2016. Things haven’t been going well for the temperamental guard and this is one chance he cannot afford to botch. He is likely to play the off guard though some playmaking could be called upon. Ricky Rubio and Kris Dunn remain the point guards of the team but coach Tim Thibodeau could call on Stephenson to pick up the slack to create mismatches.

If so, this should ramp up trade talk involving Ricky Rubio. Most believe that the Spaniard will be dealt before the Feb. 23 deadline. If Stephenson pans up, he could be the last straw that will allow the T-Wolves to finally deal away Rubio, INSC Magazine suggested. From now until the 23rd, expect heavy observation from the T-Wolves coaching staff and management.

Stephenson was best known for his days with the Indiana Pacers. His career nose-dived since, failing to recall his old form. Injuries contributed to his diminish but the 26-year-old player needs to forget all that and start playing real basketball. He holds a 10-day contract but a superb performance could see him staying in Minnesota longer than that.

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