Jeremy Lin declines player option to become free agent

Point guard Jeremy Lin declined his $2.2 million player option with the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The move was widely expected around the league after Lin's strong season with the Hornets and the NBA's salary cap continuing to rise.

Lin will be considered one of the top free-agent point guards on the market after piecing together one of his best seasons in Charlotte, averaging 11.7 points and three assists per game.