Lance Stephenson could very well come off the bench for the Indiana Pacers next season with Danny Granger set to return, and the guard is ready to accept that possible role.

"I’m just coming in to play hard," Stephenson said. "Whatever coach (Frank Vogel) decides to do, I think it’s a great decision. Me coming off the bench, Danny coming off the bench, either way, we’re deep. Whatever helps the team, that’s what I want to do."

Stephenson praised Larry Bird's acquisitions this offseason, most recently trading for Luis Scola.

"We’ve made a lot of great pickups," Stephenson said. "Our bench is even better than what it was last year. Once training camp comes, we’re going to see where everyone’s position is at and get ready for the next year."

Roy Hibbert is unlikely to receive permission from FIBA to switch from Jamaica to the United States.

Hibbert has already played for Jamaica's senior national team.

The Indiana Pacers have traded Gerald Green, Miles Plumlee and a future first round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Luis Scola, the team announced on Saturday.

"I’m very, very excited to play for the Pacers,” Scola said in a statement. “They are one of the top three teams in the NBA with a good shot to win a championship. I think it’s a great team and this is a great opportunity. I can’t wait.”

"Luis will be a very important asset to our team and to our bench,” Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird said. “He has NBA experience, international experience and is the type of player that will fit in nicely on our roster. I want to thank Gerald and Miles for their contributions. They had tough years last season, but worked hard, never complained and contributed to the great chemistry our team had. I think Gerald and Miles will be solid additions in Phoenix and we wish them well."

Scola has career averages of 14.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.

The Phoenix Suns and Indiana Pacers are the final stages of negotiations of a deal that would send Luis Scola to the Pacers in exchange for unidentified players and draft picks.

The Suns are looking to rebuild under new general manager Ryan McDonough.

Scola averaged 12.8 points and 6.6 rebounds in 82 games for the Suns this past season.

The Phoenix Suns and Indiana Pacers are nearing a deal that would send Luis Scola to the Pacers, according to sources.

The proposed trade was first reported by Argentine journalist Juan Sebastia.

Danny Granger is not in the trade, according to ESPN.

The Indiana Pacers and Paul George are discussing a long-term contract extension.

“We’re talking now,” George said. “It’s still in the rough draft form. It’s a long summer and we’re not rushing it. I think we’re both on the same page as far as myself and the Pacers. … I’m just focusing on getting better and making sure whatever deal that we do come up with, that I’m ready for it.”

George would like to sign an extension before the regular season begins Oct. 31.

“It’s something that I would love, obviously,” George said. “I would love to have something done going into the season just to take my mind off that and really get to practicing and focusing on getting better this summer. It would be ideal if I could get it done going into training camp.”

Paul George is eligible for an extension with the Indiana Pacers through Oct. 31.

The Pacers plan to make George a "major" offer. 

George, a native of the Los Angeles area, could be a target of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2014 if he becomes a restricted free agent.

"Everywhere I go [in L.A.] they say, 'We want you here. Don't sign with the Pacers,' " George said. "I hear that constantly. It's getting a little repetitive … but I'm getting used to it.

"I understand it. I can't really be mad about it. It's a great feeling when people in the stands really want you."

George became an All-Star last season.

"I'm happy to be in Indiana," George said. "I'm happy to be where I am. If I was going to leave Indiana and come to the Lakers, it just wouldn't be a smart move for me. We got a great thing going right now."

A source told ESPN's Marc Stein that a max extension is a "foregone conclusion."

Paul George and the Indiana Pacers have yet to agree to a contract extension and the stakes increased with his comments at the ESPY's that he would have a hard time saying no to Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in free agency.

George became eligible to sign an extension on July 1 and is the only player of the 2010 NBA Draft class with an All-Star appearance.

The following list includes the 15 players who signed rookie extensions that already had an All-Star Game appearance at the time of the agreement along with the date of when a deal was reached.

2009 Class: Blake Griffin (Jul. 10)

2008 Class (following lockout): Derrick Rose (Dec. 20), Russell Westbrook (Jan. 19), Kevin Love (Jan. 25)

2007 Class: Kevin Durant (Jul. 7)

2006 Class: Brandon Roy (Aug. 6)

2005 Class: Deron Williams (Jul. 18), Chris Paul (Jul. 9)

2004 Class: Dwight Howard (Jul. 12)

2003 Class: LeBron James (Jul. 12), Carmelo Anthony (Jul. 12), Chris Bosh (Jul. 14), Dwyane Wade (Jul. 13)

2002 Class: Yao Ming (Sept. 1), Amar'e Stoudemire (Oct. 3)

Paul George would find it tough to snub the Los Angeles Lakers should the team attempt to sign him next summer.

George will be a restricted free agent after the 2013-14 season if he doesn't sign an extension.

“My heart is still in Indiana ... I’m still a Pacer, and hopefully I remain a Pacer,” George said when asked about his upcoming free agency. “I'm happy where I’m at.”

A native of California, George was born in Palmdale and grew up cheering for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers.

“Of course it would be tough (to say no to Kobe),” said George. “You’re talking about playing (at) home.”

Ron Adams is drawing interest to become an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets.

The Bulls didn't renew Adams' contract for the 13-14 season.

Adams had been the top assistant of Tom Thibodeau.