They actually came out AHEAD contract-wise here, because if Stephenson continues his transformation from Born Ready to Stillborn, they can just cut his ass after the season. Pretty sure year 3 is a team option, which boggles the mind considering the deal he turned down from Indy.

Meanwhile Hawes' deal had two guaranteed years left at least, maybe three, I don't recall how that final year was structured.

So from a gamble standpoint, it's a house-money type of bet.

That said, they can't afford to be asset managers, they want to win a title NOW. Furthermore, if he came that cheaply and no other team would take him (including the Clips during last season with essentially this same offer), how good can he be?

This is just such an odd situation, I can't remember a player this young who was relatively accomplished who found himself on the scrap heap like this without a major injury or drug problem.