In Jeremy Lin's mind, there's a lot to be said for stability.

After a roller-coaster early few years in the NBA that has seen stops in New York, Houston and Los Angeles, Lin seems more than open to planting permanent roots in Charlotte.

"I would love to," the free agent guard recently shared when quizzed about the prospect of him returning to the Hornets. "I don't like moving every year, I don't like packing and unpacking boxes. So we'll see. But I'm definitely interested in coming back."

And owner Michael Jordan and the Hornets are even more interested in having him. The six-year veteran averaged 12 points and three assists for Charlotte in helping them earn the Eastern Conference's No. 6 seed.

Lin Proved Critical for Hornets

But even more than the numbers, Lin set the tone for the Hornets' fearless and gritty second unit, serving as the perfect complement to star guard Kemba Walker's explosive style.

"This is the most fun I've had in my six years" in the NBA, Lin added. "Being around a great group of guys and a coaching staff that really cares. I've learned so much about the game of basketball, particularly at the defensive end."

Lin's plan now calls for him to opt out of the second year of the two-year deal he inked during the 2015 offseason. From there, his preference would be to come to terms on a long term pact with the Hornets.

"My biggest thing is I want to have fun and be happy," he said. "I've been paid on the lower end and had a blast, and I've been paid on the higher end and not enjoyed it at all. Honestly, money has never been the most important thing. Money is important because it shows how a team values you. But beyond that I don't care all that much about money."

One thing that does make all the difference with Lin is team chemistry, which the Hornets seemed to have in abundance this season.

"I definitely want to play with these guys and this coach," he said. "When you bounce around a lot the way I have, seeing a lot of organizations, there's a lot about this one that I can appreciate in terms of my experience, that maybe I didn't have in other situations.

Lin Likes Coach Steve Clifford's Style

In coach Steve Clifford, Lin hints that he's come to have an added appreciation for someone he considers a straight shooter.

"He's not one to sugar-coat or lie to you, which is why a lot of guys love playing for him," he said. "What he told me from the beginning is pretty much how it went. I felt like for me, some of the adjustment was playing in such different roles. But that wasn't because of false expectations, it was just about guys getting hurt."

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