Rodney Stuckey Waived by Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers announced they waived guard Rodney Stuckey on Wednesday.

"We want to thank Rodney for his commitment to our franchise in his three years with the Pacers," Larry Bird, the Pacers president of basketball operations, said. "He was a positive influence not only to our team but also in the community. We wish him nothing but the best in the future."

Stuckey, 30, made 39 appearances for Indiana this year, averaging 7.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 17.8 minutes per game off the bench.

The move comes on the heels of Stuckey suffering a strained left patellar tendon that is expected to keep him out four to six weeks, per ESPN. And with Jeff Teague and Aaron Brooks available at point guard and Monta Ellis and Glenn Robinson III (currently dealing with a strained left calf himself) entrenched at shooting guard, Stuckey was expendable.

Financially, the move won't hurt the Pacers, as Zach Lowe of ESPN noted: 

Additionally, releasing him cleared up a roster spot. The Pacers quickly filled that vacancy on Wednesday, signing Lance Stephenson to a three-year, $12 million deal, according to Chris Haynes of ESPN.