One month before the season, free-agent point guard Ty Lawson has found a new landing spot.
The 28-year-old will sign with the Sacramento Kings, both he and his representative, Happy Walters, wrote late Sunday. Lawson flew to New Orleans on Sunday, expecting to go through a workout. Later that day, he wrote on Snapchat “hey Sacramento see you soon.”
The Pacers signed Lawson late last season, in early March. He appeared in 20 games, including the postseason, and averaged 4.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game off the bench during the regular season.
Lawson didn’t show the team a ton and looked like he was a step slow. He also could have used a training camp to gain chemistry with guys on the court.
Lawson impressed in his first game, but was injured five minutes in. [Frank McGrath/PS&E]
After the season, Pacers President Larry Bird and new head coach Nate McMillan each talked about Lawson several times during press conferences – which seemed to suggest that they were very interested in bringing him back.
“I felt comfortable when Ty Lawson was here making plays and getting up and down the court,” Bird said in May. “The summer is going to be full of surprises I think because the new cap and players moving around. I think there will be lot of trading. I think guys will be moving teams.”
The Pacers point guard situation has completely changed last then. They acquired Jeff Teague from Atlanta in a three-team trade that sent George Hill, their point guard for the last five seasons, to Utah. In mid-July, they signed unrestricted free agent Aaron Brooks to be Teague’s backup.
Joe Young, who’s coming off his rookie campaign, likely remains the third-string guard.
After spending his first six seasons in Denver, Sacramento will be Lawson’s fourth team in three seasons.
https://twitter.com/TyLawson3/status/770100075108458497
Can't sleep… I'm sooo excited for this season
— Ty Lawson (@TyLawson3) August 29, 2016