The Hawks have agreed to a buyout with Jeremy Lin, waiving the veteran point guard Monday and clearing the way for him to sign with another team.
ESPN first reported the buyout discussions citing Lin’s agents and his intention to sign with the Raptors. Lin will clear waivers on Wednesday, enabling him to join the Eastern Conference contender.
There was no serious interest in Lin at last week’s NBA trading deadline and he remained on the Hawks roster amid speculation he would be moved to a contending team.
Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk said following the deadline that he would not approach any veteran player about a buyout but would be open to listen should a player approach him.
The deal was waiting final approval, which came late in the day Monday.
Hawks veteran Kent Bazemore posted on social media following the reported pending roster move of Lin on Monday. “Going to miss J. Lin. Toronto is getting a great one,” he wrote on Twitter.
The Hawks acquired Lin, 30, in an offseason trade with the Nets. He played behind rookie Trae Young all season. He was on an expiring deal worth $13.8 million. Lin averaged 10.7 points and 3.5 assists in 19.7 minutes over 51 games for the Hawks.
Once the buyout is complete, the Hawks would have 12 players on the roster and two-way players Jaylen Adams and Alex Poythress. Adams would be only true point guard on the roster behind Young.
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