Jeremy Lin: Former teammates texted me about joining Nets

Jeremy Lin hopes the Brooklyn Nets can surround him with talent, and he might know of some players who want to join the club.

Brooklyn's starting point guard told Chinese website JD.com that five former teammates texted him this past season to ask if the Nets could trade for them, according to NetsDaily's translation.

It's interesting if true, given that Brooklyn doesn't exactly scream "top free-agent destination." The Nets finished dead last in the league in 2016-17, and have little to show for it, as the Boston Celtics have rights to their lottery pick - which, by the way, is No. 1 overall in a strong draft. They have about $63 million in guaranteed contracts tied up for next season among nine players, with the cap projected at $101 million.

According to the translation, Lin didn't reveal the identify of any of the interested players, but noted they - and other players in general - are drawn to the Nets because of the culture the team has established over the past year under head coach Kenny Atkinson.

Lin said he and his teammates enjoy playing together and moving the ball, which is more than he can say about guys he's gone to battle with in the past. The 28-year-old has played for six different teams over his seven-year pro career.

He signed with Brooklyn last offseason for $36 million over three seasons. He averaged 14.5 points, 5.1 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game in his first year as a Net, but only suited up in 36 contests due to injuries.

Lin indicated his goals for next year are to better "protect" his body and improve his 3-point shooting. He shot a career-best 37.2 percent from long range in 2016-17, but wants to reach the 40s.