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11/02/2024 01:18:01 pm

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NBA Trade Rumors: Kings Target Rajon Rondo, Jeremy Lin In Free Agency

Jeremy Lin and Rajon Rondo

(Photo : Getty Images) Jeremy Lin and Rajon Rondo go for the loose ball during a regular season game.

As part of the Sacramento Kings' ongoing search for another point guard to complement Darren Collison, the team is reportedly targeting upcoming unrestricted free agents Rajon Rondo and Jeremy Lin.

According to the Sacramento Bee's Jason Jones, Kings' coach George Karl is planning to have a two-point guard lineup next season, which is why they are hunting for another one to start with Collison. Karl has always been known for implementing a run-and-gun style of play since his Sonics days and he apparently wants to employ the same in Sacramento.

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With the current trend of speedy lineups in the league, Karl does not want to be left behind. The team's other floor general, Andre Miller, is already 39 years old and is more of a half-court oriented player.

Rondo, an NBA champion and four-time All-Star, is coming off a tumultuous stint with the Dallas Mavericks where he was sent home just two games into the postseason for insubordination toward Mavs coach Rick Carlisle.

Despite his well-known arrogance and prideful attitude, the two-time All-Defensive First Teamer is a resilient player and is considered as one of the greatest passers in the game. If Karl could not handle Cousins, how much more does he think he can manage Rondo?

ESPN indicated that the Kings have already requested a meeting with Rondo, although there was still no response from the point guard as of yet.

Meanwhile, SB Nation reported that the Kings are also interested in Torrance native Lin. The 26-year-old former Harvard standout had a turbulent time with the Lakers last season but had played decently overall.

Lin averaged 11.2 points and 4.6 assists in only a little less than 26 minutes of playing time per game. He was also relegated to the bench by coach Byron Scott after the emergence of rookie Jordan Clarkson in the second half of the regular season.

Lin is a great fit in Karl's system whether as a starter or a bench player as he had shown in the past that he is most effective with running, open-offense teams such as Mike D'Antoni's Knicks squad in 2012 where he played his best season.

Karl's penchant for the running game is speculated to be the source of his dispute with King's franchise player DeMarcus Cousins. It seems like Boogie has to learn to adapt to a faster game pace and lessen his post-up touches if he wants to continue to thrive in Sacramento.

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