Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (Photo : REUTERS)
The free-agency rumors are starting to heat up for Jeremy Lin following a report from the ESPN NBA writer Tim McMahon about the Dallas Mavericks' potential interest in the former Harvard standout to replenish their backcourt rotation, as Monta Ellis opted out from the final year of his contract on Wednesday to join backcourt-mate Rajon Rondo in this summer's free-agency.
According to McMahon, the Mavericks are expected to reload their lineup this offseason, although their main priority is to use a major portion of their cap money to bring in Dallas native LaMarcus Aldridge, who will demand a contract worth not less than $20MM per year.
The Mavericks are also determined to re-sign Tyson Chandler, while San Antonio Spurs' Danny Green and Portland Trail Blazers' Wes Matthews emerge as the early options at the shooting guard position.
Because of these future commitments, the Mavs are likely to play small ball on their next point guard. With Rondo a goner after a nightmarish stint last season, McMahon believed the Mavs would either select a point guard in this year's draft or make a run for Lin or Mo Williams.
"The Mavs don't plan to spend big money on a point guard this summer. It's possible Devin Harris could start, but the Mavs would prefer to keep him with the second unit. The Mavs could also address this position in the draft.
"Two free agents to keep in mind: Mo Williams, a local resident who has expressed interest in playing for the Mavs before; and Jeremy Lin, Parsons' friend and former Houston Rockets teammate," according to McMahon.
Lin, who averaged 11.2 points and 4.6 assists with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, has developed a strong bond with Chandler Parsons during their time in Houston. McMahon thinks Parsons' recruiting ability could play a major role in convincing Lin to pick the Mavs over several potential suitors that include the Rockets, Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers.
