The Dallas Mavericks have made big moves in free agency this summer, but they are not done as they are reportedly making a strong push to sign free agent guard Jeremy Lin.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, the Mavericks are still in the race to sign Lin, who became an unrestricted free agent this offseason after his previous three-year, $25 million contract expired.
The Mavericks have limited cap space after signing DeAndre Jordan to a four-year deal worth around $80 million and Wesley Matthews to a four-year contract worth $52 million.
But despite having limited amount of salary to offer to Lin, the Mavericks have a chance to acquire the former Harvard University standout mainly because of his close relationship with Chandler Parsons.
Lin and Parsons played together in Houston during the 2012-13 and 2013-14 NBA seasons before the former left the Rockets in free agency last summer. Lin was also traded to the Los Angeles Lakers during that offseason.
Parsons is reportedly playing a big role in their chase of Lin similar to how he became a big factor in recruiting Jordan and Matthews to Dallas despite the fact that both players received enticing offers from rival teams.
The Mavericks are in dire need for another playmaker after parting ways with All-Star point guard Rajon Rondo, who reportedly agreed to a deal with the Sacramento Kings. High-scoring guard Monta Ellis also opted out of his contract and has moved to the Indiana Pacers.
With Rondo and Ellis gone, the Mavericks have Raymond Felton and Devin Harris as options for the point guard spot. They will likely re-sign J.J. Barea, but it will not stop them from pursuing Lin.
However, acquiring Lin will not be a walk in the park because several teams, who could offer bigger deals, are also making a push to get the popular playmaker.
According to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News, several teams have expressed interest in Lin, including the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, Pacers and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Lin averaged 11.2 points on top of 4.6 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game last season but was often criticized for his inconsistencies on both ends of the floor.
But despite having a tumultuous year in Los Angeles last season, the Lakers have reportedly reached out to him about a new deal, but it appears the free agent playmaker is cold about the idea of returning.
The Bulls could also be in strong contention because they could give Lin enough room to make his presence felt, especially if they will not sign backup point guard Aaron Brooks to a new deal.
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