NBA Free Agent Rumors: Jeremy Lin Could End up Playing for One of These 5 Teams
Jeremy Lin is still just 26 years old, but there's a chance that next year he could be playing for his fifth team since 2011.
This year was the final year of Lin's contract, and he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Lakers can choose to re-sign Lin if he wants to come back, but he and his agent will most likely look at other options first.
Here are five possible fits for "Linsanity" next season
1. Dallas Mavericks
The Mavericks are the frontrunners to land Lin for multiple reasons. Owner Mark Cuban is a fan of Lin, and the Mavericks could use some point guard depth. It's extremely unlikely that Rajon Rondo, who led the Mavericks in assists per game last season, will be returning next year because of his attitude. The Lakers have been tied to Rondo for years, so this would basically be a Lin for Rondo swap. Lin isn't as talented as Rondo, but he won't cost nearly as much and won't be a huge headache for Rick Carlisle.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers experienced a franchise record 61 losses this season, but the future will only get better. The Lakers have the No. 2 overall draft pick, they're clearing a lot of salary cap space, and they will definitely acquire a big name free agent this offseason. Re-signing Lin wouldn't be risky because he knows the system, and he did lead the Lakers in assists last year with 339. Adding a notable offensive player like Kevin Love, Jimmy Butler or Marc Gasol would give Lin a reliable scoring target.
3. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers finished 38-44 this season, but don't that win total fool you. This team can play, and if it wasn't for Paul George's injury, they would have made the playoffs. This biggest issue for the Pacers is ball distribution given the fact that David West was their leading assist man last season. When a power forward leads your team in assists, it's a sign that you need to upgrade at the point guard position. The Pacers would be the best basketball fit for Lin with their great defensive squad, and he would get plenty of playing time.
4. Miami Heat
The Heat have to have a backup plan, as Pat Riley usually does. Mario Chalmers has just one year remaining on his contract, and there's been talk of Dwyane Wade possibly opting out of his contract to test the open market. On top of that, the Heat were statistically speaking the worst passing team in the league last season averaging just 19.8 assists per game. Lin would be a good fit in South Beach because they need his all around game and valuable playing minutes which would give Luol Deng and Chalmers more open perimeter shots.
5. Utah Jazz
The Jazz selected point guard Trey Burke No. 9 overall in 2013. Burke is an average point guard, but the Jazz did average the second least amount of assists per game last season, and the Jazz could use a second option at the point. To many NBA fans surprise, the Jazz defense ranked No. 1 overall in points allowed last season, however their offense ranked 26th overall. Lin isn't a great defender, so adding him to the best defensive team in the NBA wouldn't be detrimental, and he could provide a scoring spark for an anemic offense.
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