Jeremy Lin leaving Charlotte Hornets for reported $36 million deal with Nets

Jeremy Lin will pass on the chance to return to the Charlotte Hornets, instead agreeing to a reported three-year, $36 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

Signing with the Nets will offer the opportunity for Lin to start at point guard, something he would not have had in Charlotte with Kemba Walker established at that role.

Lin had his best times in the NBA in New York, during the “Linsanity” days with the New York Knicks before he signed as a free agent with the Houston Rockets in 2012.

Lin, 27, seemed to enjoy his one season in Charlotte and reflected that on Twitter Friday morning, saying, “Thank you @hornets for giving me the opportunity last year. I’ll miss you #BuzzCity.”

The Hornets signed Lin last summer to a two-season, $4.3 million contract with a player option the second season. Lin clearly out-played that contract, averaging 11.7 points, three assistsand 3.2 rebounds. He often finished games alongside Walker as the team’s shooting guard.

Lin chose to opt out of the second season (which would have paid him just over $2 million), knowing he was likely in for a big raise and an opportunity to start elsewhere.

This story was originally published July 1, 2016 at 1:12 PM with the headline "Jeremy Lin leaving Charlotte Hornets for reported $36 million deal with Nets."