With the Pacers declining Stephenson's paltry $4.3M team option, this thread should remain in the Latest Forum Topics until Smart makes a decision. The possibility of him signing a contract out of our price range is very real.
In looking through some FA names, it would be best to focus on combo guards, but with Kyrie, Rozier, and Wanamaker able to handle PG duties, someone who plays primarily SG could be a possibility, too. One positive, we have pretty solid size in our backcourt. With no Smart, being hard-capped shouldn't really be an issue. Here are some possibilities - either with the tax payer MLE or all-out MLE:
Lance Stephenson - my choice, should be affordable and offers the same type of Smart 'fire'
Avery Bradley - who wouldn't love to have AB back? May be out of our range
Tyreke Evans - probably looking for a big pay day, but great fit
Aaron Afflalo - he is 33 now and coming off a big contract. Winning may be a priority
Elfrid Payton - decent young player who did not click with the Suns. Talented and cheap(?)
Isaiah Thomas - how cool would this be?
Mario Chalmers - underwhelming, but championship experience
Shelvin Mack - super-underwhelming, but he was a Stevens Butler guy
Austin Rivers - okay, probably time to shut my 2018 FA window now - a scoring combo guard
As has been discussed, with Kyrie back and Rozier able to take on major minutes, we aren't going to be desperate for Smart's minutes, but will need a veteran 4th guard should injuries/rest occur.
