The Dallas Mavericks are exploring sign-and-trade possibilities with the Los Angeles Lakers to acquire free-agent point guard Jeremy Lin, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Jeremy Lin (Getty Images) More

Lin, 26, sees the Mavericks as the best opportunity to reignite his career, especially with a chance to become the starting point guard, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Lin could join a free agent class that already includes center DeAndre Jordan and guard Wes Matthews. The Mavericks have exhausted most of their salary-cap space to sign those players and have only an exception of $2.8 million available if the team doesn't use that to sign free agent J.J. Barea.

Because the Mavericks are low on the necessary salary-cap space and exceptions to sign Lin to a market-level contract, the sign-and-trade could be needed to secure Lin to a deal.

The Mavericks let two guards – Monta Ellis and Rajon Rondo – leave in free agency and only declining journeyman Raymond Felton remains on the roster. The Mavericks are bringing back veteran backup J.J. Barea, too.

Lin's proficiency in the pick-and-roll is especially attractive with the commitment of Jordan to play center. Lin averaged 11 points and 4.6 assists in 74 games for the Lakers.