Because of his splendid play last year as a back-up point guard to Kemba Walker in Charlotte Hornets, Jeremy Lin, who officially becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 23, will come to the free agency market fully-equipped and ready to take on another long-term big-money contract.
Lin signed a two-year $4.3 million deal with the Hornets last year following a miserable season with the Los Angeles Lakers where he got paid almost $9 million. With a $2.2 million paycheck with Charlotte and the level of play he exhibited with the team as a back-up point guard to Kemba Walker, the Hornets really got a bargain with Jeremy Lin.
It was kind of expected by the management that Lin would exercise his opt-out clause after one year, which was part of the deal he signed with the Hornets last year. His splendid performance this past season can be attested to by his game averages of 11.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3 assists in 26.3 minutes of playing time.
Recognizing the need to keep Jeremy Lin to its roster, the Hornets offered Lin a $5.6 million salary for next season. But the team can no longer increase it because Charlotte would already be operating over-the-cap since it will also be dealing with other key free agents on its roster including Nic Batum, Marvin Williams, Al Jefferson, and Courtney Lee.
Since Lin turned down the $5.6 million offer from the Hornets, he would be coming into the free agency looking to nail more than $5.6 million in annual salary. According to reports, two teams are seriously contemplating on signing him up for the next NBA season.
A replacement for Derrick Rose?
One team who is seriously considering in bringing in Lin is the Chicago Bulls, especially if the team loses Derrick Rose to the free agency.
According to reports, Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg would implement a new system which would not fit the play of Rose so it is likely that they shall release their All-Star point guard. Jeremy Lin is expected to fill the void to be vacated by Rose, details the Christian Today.
While there are skepticisms on Jeremy Lin because his performance fluctuates from one team to another, it seems that the 27-year-old Harvard graduate can perform according to his Linsanity standards if he is with the right teammates and coaching direction as what the Hornets and Steve Clifford showed last season.
There are also reports saying that in addition to Jeremy Lin, the Bulls are also looking at signing up Mike Conley of the Memphis Grizzlies to strengthen its backcourt rotation in the event that Rose flies from their coop.
Helping Dirk in his swan song
The other loud rumors involving Jeremy Lin is the reported interest of Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to bring him into his team’s fold and help make the final year of Dirk Nowitzki a memorable one.
Dallas point guard Deron Williams has a player option worth $5.6 million with the Mavericks but he is likely to opt out to look for better offers and a long-term deal.
Jeremy Lin could be a prime choice for the Mavericks who is also reportedly considering Brandon Jennings of the Orlando Magic and Greivis Vasquez of the Milwaukee Bucks, to fill the point guard position on their roster should Williams leave, cites Sportsrageous.
In addition to a suitable point guard replacement for Deron Williams, the Mavericks is also looking to shore up its forward spot and are also looking to sign up Eric Gordon from the New Orleans Pelicans or even Nicolas Batum from the Charlotte Hornets through offer sheets.
Dallas shall reportedly dangle a starting point guard position for Jeremy Lin, which is something that the Hornets were not able to do last season because of Kemba Walker.
If Lin is given the starting spot and try to run a team featuring Dirk Nowitzki, Wesley Matthews, and Chandler Parsons should the Mavericks decide to keep him, he could sure contribute big in giving Dirk a perfect NBA swan song.
JLin together w/C.Parsons, W.Matthews, Dirk.N.,…….. SOUNDS LIKE A WINNER!