Jeremy Lin (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Jeremy Lin could be an alternative for the Orlando Magic this summer if the team misses out on other top point guards available in the market.
The Magic is in need of a reliable point guard, with the team only having Elfrid Payton and Shabazz Napier manning the position. This year's free agency has a thin pool of talented point guards led by Mike Conley and Rajon Rondo, although Jeremy Lin could also draw interests from many teams this summer.
According to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, the best options for teams like the Magic would be Conley, who is likely to command a max contract in free agency.
After trading for Serge Ibaka in a draft day deal that sent Victor Oladipo and Ersan Ilyasova to the OKC Thunder, the Magic may look for a backcourt piece, particularly a point guard, to balance the talent in their starting lineup. Adding Conley would complement in the Magic's core of young talents and would bring another veteran presence to Orlando's youthful squad.
However, the Magic are expected to face a stiff competition of signing Conley, who is rumored to have a strong interest in joining the San Antonio Spurs or Dallas Mavericks this summer. Robbins suggested the Magic may consider a less expensive point guard in Lin, who opted out of his two-year $4.3 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets.
"Conley, the 28-year-old Memphis Grizzlies standout, is the best point guard in this free-agent class by a wide margin. He is almost a lock to receive a maximum-salary contract of $26.6 million for the first season," Robbins wrote.
"A less expensive alternative would be 27-year-old Jeremy Lin, who excelled in a reserve role with the Charlotte Hornets."
While Lin may not possess the skillset Conley has, the former is more than capable of playing a starting role with a young team like the Magic. Lin, who averaged 11.7 points and 3.0 assists per game for the Hornets last season, has proven at times he could run the point in Charlotte. He only played 26.3 minutes per game coming off the bench for the Hornets, but given more playing time, Lin should be able to put up All-Star numbers.
But much like the Magic's potential pursuit of Conley, they could rival many teams if they wish to sign Lin in July.
Lin has been linked to a potential reunion with the New York Knicks, but the blockbuster trade that sent Derrick Rose to the Garden makes it unlikely for the Hornets point guard to play in the Big Apple.
The Brooklyn Nets could also be another team interested in acquiring Lin, according to the New York Daily News' Ari Gilberg. Brooklyn could offer Lin a chance to start, with Jarrett Jack and Shane Larkin the only other options at the point guard position. The Nets also have ample cap space to offer Lin a lucrative deal, as well as the chance to shine once again in the bright lights of New York.
Lin has been adamant about the factors he would consider come July, Including a chance to start and play more minutes. The Magic should be able to give him a starting gig, but the Nets may prove too enticing for Lin.
