Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (Photo : REUTERS/GARY A. VASQUEZ)
Three days into the free-agency and Jeremy Lin's next destination remains unknown. However, it won't probably take much long for him to be scoffed off the free-agency market as the Dallas Mavericks reportedly make their push to sign the former Harvard standout.
With DeAndre Jordan officially becoming their biggest free-agent signings this offseason, the Mavericks have shifted their focus on spending the remainder of their cash to acquire their next starting point guard.
According to ESPN, Lin is one of the choices (Patrick Beverley and Mo Williams) the Mavericks are closely considering in their attempt to revamp their backcourt following the departure of Monta Ellis to the Indiana Pacers and possibly Rajon Rondo to the Sacramento Kings this offseason.
The Mavericks have already filled up half of that backcourt by signing Wesley Matthews to a four-year, $52 million contract, and are now looking on what is left in the market after a barrage of transactions around the association in the first three days of free-agency.
Lin, who averaged 11.2 points and 4.6 assists per game with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, has reportedly been fielding offers from multiple teams, including the Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns, Chicago Bulls and the Mavericks.
But the Mavs are believed to have a greater advantage over other suitors because they have Chandler Parsons as their chief recruiter. NBA analysts think Parson's relationship with Lin during their time in Houston could play an important role in bringing the Asian-American star to Dallas.
But apart from Parson's recruiting prowess, the Mavericks appear to be an appealing destination for Lin because these two reasons: a) his up-tempo playing style fits in with Rick Carlisle's system and b) the Mavs' starting guard spot is expected to be up for grabs at training camp.
The 26-year old Lin stressed that he would accept any role as long as he fits in well with the team, but the opportunity of starting again with a contender will surely add extra value to the Mavs' pitch.
