Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (Photo : REUTERS)
According to league sources, there are at least seven teams expected to pursue the Asian-American star this summer. Howard Beck of Bleacher Report indicated the Rockets are interested in renewing ties with Lin after trading him to the Lakers a year ago, while Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets are pondering on adding his pick-and-roll expertise to their arsenal next year.
It seems the closer the free-agency season gets; the more interest the player draws in. Jeremy Lin might have already realized this detail by now, as his the list of his potential suitors continues to get longer each passing week.
Lin, who will be up for grabs in the free-agency market starting on July 1, is one of the most underrated free-agent targets this offseason. After up-and-down stints with the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, the 26-year old Lin will march into the free-agency period with hope of finding a team where he can finally 'fit in.'
Even as early as the midway mark into the 2014-15 season, there were already NBA pundits forecasting Lin to have a one-and-done year with the Lakers, especially with the way he started his campaign.
Averaging 11.2 points and 4.6 dimes in 25 minutes per game per ESPN Stats, the former Harvard standout struggled under Byron Scott and the coach's Princeton-based offense that focuses more on half-court sets and post-games. Lin, who predicated his game on pick-and-roll plays and transition offense, hardly made his presence felt in the first three months, but taking a week off during the All-Star festivities somehow gave him a boost to come up with his best stretch of the season, as he averaged at least 15 points and 6 dimes per game in the month of March.
Indeed, his strings of strong performances might have saved his career that was starting to become irrelevant to the point that the Lakers found no takers for him at trade deadline. Although it's almost 100 percent Lin played his last game in purple-and-gold jersey, the second half spurt put him in better position heading to this offseason.
According to league sources, there are at least seven teams expected to pursue the Asian-American star this summer. Howard Beck of Bleacher Report indicated the Rockets are interested in renewing ties with Lin after trading him to the Lakers a year ago, while Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets are pondering on adding his pick-and-roll expertise to their arsenal next year.
However, reports mentioned of the Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets to be in the mix as well as these teams look to upgrade their backcourt rotation. The Pacers are reportedly set to trade C.J Watson despite the fact that George Hill hasn't been in tip-top condition of late. The Mavs are back in the market for a point guard following a not-so-good gamble on Rajon Rondo. The Suns were reportedly close to acquiring Lin in a trade with the Lakers at trade deadline and it wouldn't be shocking if they renew their interest in the playmaker.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets might be on the verge of pulling trigger on a blockbuster deal aimed to unload Deron Williams and his massive contract, which would open a backup spot behind Jarret Jack at point guard position.
All of these things could be taken into consideration as far Lin's next destination. Of course, there are other scenarios that could pop out of nowhere and impact the race in a big way. But as far as today, these are the teams set to make a play for Lin this offseason.
