Jeremy Lin is set to pay huge dividends for the Brooklyn Nets.

At least that's the plan, which stretches on and off the Barclay Center hardcourt.

In making the decision to go full tilt after Lin in free agency and ultimately ink him to a three-year, $36 million pact, Nets' management fully realized that if Lin comes anywhere close to replicating the buzz he did during his time of Linsanity with the crossbarring rival Knicks there is no way they can really lose.

Lin's Value About More Than Hoops 

To be sure, GM Sean Marks and coach Kenny Atkinson were both elated to land the veteran guard who averaged 12 points, three assists and three rebounds with Michael Jordan's Charlotte Hornets last season. But even they have to realize the game here is bigger than that.

"The benefit of that basketball decision is there are some business opportunities," said Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment CEO Brett Yormark. "Those business opportunities are hopefully an expanded fan base in Brooklyn and beyond, and a driver of merchandise sales."

Lin Among League's Most Popular Players 

Indeed, Lin ranked among the league's top-20 players in jersey sales last season even though he came off the bench for the Hornets. With the Nets among the growing list of NBA teams airing games in his native China, the sky now seems the limit.

"To the extent I can take advantage of him, I will," Yormark added. "We didn't have a top-20 seller last year, so given the appetite of the fans, it affects ticket sales, merchandise sales and sponsors."

During Lin's three months, 2012 life-changing run with the Knicks, Lin was second in the league in jersey sales and MSG raised ticket prices by 27 percent and saw company stock rise value by 7 percent.

"Right or wrong, fans remember Linsanity," Yormark said of the 26 game stretch where Lin averaged 18 points and eight assists.

"Even though it's a whole different time and place, he's added quite a bit of fan engagement," he added. "Just look on Twitter, Facebook - there's been a substantial uptick. It just shows the interest the fans have in Jeremy Lin. I'll be going to China next month. Our strategy has always been about globalization, even before Jeremy."

Lin had his pick between returning to Charlotte or joining the Nets, Spurs or Rockets. After five teams in six seasons he settled on the Nets and the sense of belonging he spoke of seeking at this point in his career.