Julyan Stone has asked Umana Reyer Venezia to rip up the contract he signed with the Italian team in February so he can return to the United States this season. Stone has a contract on the table from the Charlotte Hornets and wants to be close to his father, who is dealing with several health issues.

According to The Charlotte Observer, Umana Reyer Venezia has agreed to his request and released Stone. Once the Hornets receive clearance from FIBA, which should come in the next few days, Stone will sign a two-year contract for the veteran minimum. The deal may be fully guaranteed for the 2017-18 season but not in 2018-19.

Stone, undrafted in 2011 out of Texas El-Paso, will serve as the third point guard on the Hornets' depth chart behind Kemba Walker and Michael Carter-Williams.

Stone last played in the NBA during the 2013-14 season with the Toronto Raptors.

-- Nick Silva