The Dallas Mavericks are serious in their pursuit of Jeremy Lin as reports revealed the Mavs are looking for a sign-and-trade agreement with the Los Angeles Lakers, Yahoo Sports reported.
Lin is an unrestricted free agent this season after the Lakers declined to offer a contract extension. The Lakers are not expected to retain him after picking D'Angelo Russell in the 2015 NBA Draft and after signing free agent Lou Williams to a three-year, $21 million deal.
The Mavericks have been linked to Lin since the offseason started, but they have limited cap space to provide an enticing offer for the 26-year-old point guard.
Dallas made significant moves this summer to improve their title chances next season. The secured the services of new starting center DeAndre Jordan, who agreed to a four-year deal worth around $80 million, and Wesley Matthews, who struck a four-year agreement with the Mavericks.
And because of their limited cap room, the Mavericks need help from the Lakers in order to get Lin, who could play a major role for the Mavericks next season after parting ways with Monta Ellis and Rajon Rondo.
Ellis, who averaged 18.9 points on top of 4.1 assists and 2.4 rebounds per game last season, signed a four-year, $44 million deal, while Rondo inked a one-year, $10 million contract with the Sacramento Kings.
Lin, who averaged 11.2 points on top of 4.6 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game with the Lakers last season, is reportedly intrigued by the possibility of moving to Dallas, where he could eventually be named as the starting point guard. Raymond Felton and Devin Harris are expected to be his competitor should he sign with the Mavericks.
Lin could get more expensive contract with another team, but the former Harvard University standout wants to win and play a significant role. The five-year veteran also has ties within the Mavericks organization as he has a close relationship with former Houston Rockets teammate Chandler Parsons, who is reportedly recruiting Lin.
Aside from the Mavericks, several teams have reportedly expressed interest in Lin. According to Mark Medina of Los Angeles Daily News, the Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers have reached out to the Palo Alto, California native.
The Knicks, where Lin enjoyed the best season of his career in 2012, are also being linked to a possible reunion. Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders recently revealed the Knicks could pursue their former playmaker this offseason.
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