The Indiana Pacers' best offer for Lance Stephenson was reportedly $44 million over five years, but his camp was searching for a $55 million contract.

Stephenson eventually agreed upon a three-year, $27 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets.

"I really feel bad about losing him,'' Larry Bird said. "I hope it doesn't interfere with our relationship. But I did what I could possibly do to keep him here. Even if he didn't have any other offers, I was committed to giving him that $44 million because I believe in the kid. If you look at our roster, we have five or six guys in the last year of their deals, plus David (West) and Roy (Hibbert) can opt out, so don't you think I wanted to keep Lance and Paul (George) locked into long-term deals?''

Stephenson's agent, Alberto Ebanks, reportedly called Bird several days after the initial offer and said that the $44 million would be too low.

"I don't think this is going to work. I don't believe you have the money available to re-sign Lance.''