Jeremy Lin is heading into free agency this summer and the New York Knicks could be an intriguing option for the Charlotte Hornets point guard.
Nick Borgess of ESPN explored the idea of Lin heading back to the Big Apple as the Knicks' backup point guard next season. Borgess noted that New York will look to upgrade the PG spot, which puts Lin as a possible target for the Knicks in the offseason.
Lin has a player option on the final term of his two-year $4.3 million contract with the Hornets. With NBA rivals having plenty of cap room to sign players, thanks to the league's new TV deal set to kick in next season, the Harvard product is expected to explore the market for a more conducive contract.
However, Lin has been tightlipped about his free agency plans, insisting that his focus is with the Hornets' looming playoff run.
"I don't want to get too far ahead of myself. I just don't want to let free agency affect my focus. I haven't spoken about it, I am not thinking about it and I just want to ride this one out," Lin said, reports ESPN.
Ever since leaving the Knicks after the 2012-2013 season, Lin's performance has been on a decline, as well as his role with the teams he played with. But with the Hornets, the 27-year-old point guard seemed to have found ways of staying relevant despite on a diminished role.
Dan Devine of Ball Don't Lie noted how the Hornets are able to maximize Lin despite playing as backup to Kemba Walker.
"What we have, then, is a player who's capable of working within a team concept that doesn't include him being the primary playmaker and offensive focal point, but who can also do damage while running the show against opposing second units and - as he showed on Monday night against the Spurs - who can act as a top gun for stretches when circumstances require it," Devine wrote.
Lin is only averaging 11.8 points and 2.9 assists, while playing 26.0 minutes this season. But his value to the Hornets is more than just what the numbers tell, and that is what teams like Knicks could be looking at if they pursue him this summer.