NBA All-Star Jeremy Lin has decided to sign with the Charlotte Hornets in a two-year deal, ending his free agency run. He made the bombshell announcement on social media Wednesday.
In a post on his Facebook page, Lin explained why he decided to play for the Hornets in the upcoming 2015-2016 NBA season. He chose to take his talents to Charlotte "after a lot of prayer and long discussions with family and friends."
"My journey has never looked the way I (or anyone else) thought it would, but God has always worked things out for my good and I am confident that he will continue to do so," Lin wrote. "I want to thank Coach Clifford and the Hornets organization for this opportunity - for taking the time to talk to me, understanding my game, and most importantly, making it clear they believe in me."
Lin further elaborated on what he was looking for in the next step of his NBA career while he was in free agency.
"The one thing that mattered to me the most was finding a team that would be a good fit for me," Lin wrote. "I wanted to be on a team where I would be able to play freely and truly play the game I love with joy again. That has always been the most important thing to me."
The Harvard graduate also thanked his fans "for joining me on this journey," including those who followed his run as a point guard in the Los Angeles Lakers.
"To the Lakers organization and the city of Los Angeles, thank you for your support this past season," Lin wrote.
Lin ended his announcement with a promise to his fans.
"I have no idea what is coming next, but I promise I will do everything in my power to contribute to this team and to improve as a player and as a person," Lin wrote. "Here's to the next chapter!"
According to a report from ESPN, the terms of Lin's deal were not released by the team. However, a source told ESPN that the "biannual exception" contract with Charlotte lasts two years and is worth $4.3 million.
"The 6-foot-3 Lin has played in 291 NBA games for the Warriors, Knicks, Rockets and Lakers in five seasons, averaging 11.7 points, 4.8 assists, 2.6 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 26.9 minutes," ESPN wrote. "The 26-year-old Lin is expected to back up Kemba Walker in Charlotte and run the second-team offense."
According to ESPN, Hornets general manager Rich Cho was looking at ways to upgrade his roster, given that the team finished statistically in the bottom five in the NBA last season. In addition to Lin, Cho has acquired Frank Kaminsky of Wisconsin in this year's NBA Draft and made trades for Nicolas Batum, Jeremy Lamb and Spencer Hawes.
"We have made a concerted effort to upgrade the offense [this offseason]," Cho said on Thursday via conference call.
Cho added that the Hornets were "excited to add Jeremy Lin to our lineup."
"He is a talented player who we feel can make significant contributions to our basketball team," Cho said of Lin.
Cho elaborated on how Lin's skills as a point guard could help out Charlotte.
"The one thing he can really do is get into the paint and with our second unit that is important because he can create shots for others," Cho said. "We have several guys on the second unit that will benefit from that whether it's Jeremy Lamb or Spencer Hawes, Frank Kaminsky or Marvin Williams."
The general manager hoped he could "get more depth in the backcourt," adding that the Hornets "feel really good about the signing."
"He's going to bring some energy to our backcourt and our second unit. He will be a great addition," Cho said of Lin.
According to ESPN, one-third of Charlotte's roster has already changed from last season. However, Cho indicated that another big move could happen despite the fact the Hornets are bumping close to the NBA salary cap.
