Dallas Mavericks guard Rajon Rondo (Photo : REUTERS)
The Sacramento Kings have reportedly added playmaker Jeremy Lin to its free-agency wish-list this offseason, ESPN NBA insider Chris Broussard disclosed on Tuesday.
Lin, who will try to revive his career after up-and-down stints with the Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers, is drawing interest from the Vivek Ranadivé-owned franchise largely because his playing style fits in with George Karl's up-tempo offensive system.
Averaging 11.2 points and 4.6 assists last season with the Lakers, Lin stressed that he's interested in signing with a team that can maximize his strength and allow him to contribute in a significant role.
The 26-year old Lin joined free-agent point guard Rajon Rondo, New Orleans Pelicans' Jrue Holiday, Atlanta Hawks' Dennis Schroder and Denver Nuggets' Ty Lawson among potential targets the Kings are considering, according to Broussard
After collecting $15M in the final year of the three-year, $25 million deal with the Rockets in 2012, Lin is aware that his next contract won't be as lucrative as his previous one, though NBA pundits still expect him to pocket a mid-level contract worth $5MM to $7MM a year.
Lin is also being linked to his home town team Golden State Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers and his former team, the Rockets. Basketball Insiders Alex Kennedy also brought up the idea of a possible reunion between the Asian-American star and the Knicks after an ugly divorce three years ago.
With his goal of starting again expected to play a crucial role in his free-agency decision, the Kings could emerge as a likely front runner for his service since the team can give him an opportunity of making it to the starting five again as they reportedly plan to play Darren Collison off the bench.
