NEW YORK (AFP) – Jeremy Lin is heading back to New York while Australian Matthew Dellavedova and Russian Timofey Mozgov will leave the champion Cleveland Cavaliers for big-money deals as NBA free agency began Friday.
Lin, the NBA’s first US player of Chinese or Taiwanese heritage, agreed to a three-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets worth a reported $36 million with a fourth-year player option. That’s after the point guard declined a $2.2 million offer to return to Charlotte for next season.
“The journey continues… thankful for the next chapter!!’’ tweeted Lin with an image of himself in a Brooklyn uniform in front of the team logo. “Thank you hornets for the opportunity last year… I’ll miss you BuzzCity.’’
Lin, 27, was a seldom-used reserve with the Knicks in 2012 until injuries to several starters gave him a chance to play. He sparked New York to seven wins in a row, including late game-winning shots and pinpoint passing to set up teammates in an epic 7-0 run known as “Linsanity.’’