Jeremy Lin
Jeremy Lin could play for his fifth team in six seasons next year. Getty

Jeremy Lin is coming off his worst year in the NBA since bursting onto the scene with “Linsanity” in 2012, but a few teams could be interested in signing him. With free agency officially beginning on Wednesday morning, the point guard has been linked back to the New York Knicks, and has also drawn interest from the Sacramento Kings.

At the moment, the Kings might be frontrunners for Lin, according to multiple reports. New York’s level of interest seems to be less certain, though there had been rumors near the trade deadline that the Knicks might try to acquire Lin.

The Kings are looking for help at point guard, and signing Lin could turn out to be one of their best options. Sacramento reportedly would like to acquire point guard Eric Bledsoe, but it’s still unclear if he would be made available. The Kings wouldn’t have to trade for Lin, and he won’t command a lucrative contract.

A reunion between Lin and the Knicks would certainly be interesting. Lin achieved his most success, by far, in New York, playing like an MVP candidate when he was first inserted into the starting lineup. The Knicks have plenty of salary-cap space, but they aren’t expected to spend that money on one of the league’s top free agents. Point guard might be New York’s greatest position of need.

Lin became a free agent three summers ago, and it appeared to be a foregone conclusion that he would re-sign with New York. But the Houston Rockets offered him a three-year contract worth $25 million that the Knicks were unwilling to match. Carmelo Anthony called the offer “ridiculous,” sparking speculation that he didn’t want to play with Lin.

Lin has played his best with the ball in his hands and when he’s been given the freedom to create his own offense. That skill set might not fit with a team that has Anthony and runs the triangle.

Having averaged 11.2 points and 4.6 assists per game with the Los Angeles Lakers last year, Lin’s career in L.A. looks to be finished. He started just 30 games with the Lakers after starting 115 games in two years with the Rockets. Houston traded Lin to Los Angeles last summer.

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