NBA point guard Jeremy Lin is completing a contract buyout agreement with the Atlanta Hawks that will allow him to sign with the Toronto Raptors.
The buyout is expected to be finalized by Monday and Lin may sign with the Raptors as soon as mid-week, according to agents Jim Tanner and Roger Montgomery via ESPN.
Lin, 30, is averaging 10.7 points and 5.3 assists in just 19.7 minutes per game for the Hawks in his return to action after a season-ending injury last year. The Raptors will be Lin’s eighth team in his eight-plus years in the league, following stints with the Warriors, Knicks, Rockets, Lakers, Hornets, and Nets.
The veteran point guard is expected to play a significant role behind and alongside guards Kyle Lowry, Danny Green and Fred VanVleet, adding much-needed depth after the departure of Delon Wright and CJ Miles.
Despite strong regular season showings in recent years, the Raptors have struggled in the playoffs, particularly against LeBron James’ Cavaliers. With the King now out West, however, the addition of both Lin and the recently acquired Marc Gasol — alongside, of course, franchise superstar Kawhi Leonard — may be the final pieces of the puzzle in pulling the Raptors out of the Eastern Conference.
Following the announcement, Lin took to Instagram to thank the Hawks organization:
Featured Images via Instagram / jlin7
