The Golden State Warriors have become the latest team being linked to point guard Jeremy Lin as his potential free-agency destination next summer, joining the Houston Rockets, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Denver Nuggets in the fray.
The Warriors, who are enjoying their best run in recent memory after cruising to the best record of the regular-season and punching their way to the Western Conference semis playoffs, will have a chance to retool their lineup this offseason with several expiring contracts giving them a significant cap space.
In an interview with , Mychal Thompson brought up the idea of Lin returning to his Bay Area roots and joining the team that picked him up after he went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft. With Leandro Barbosa and Brandon Rush hitting the market after their playoff campaign, Thompson believed the 26-year old Lin would be an ideal free-agency target for the Warriors because of the skills-set he brings to the table.
Averaging at least 11 points and 4 dimes per game, Lin was able to dodge a nightmarish free-agency after putting up a stronger output in the second half of what turned out to be a forgetful season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Thompson, Lin's ability to thrive in a run-and-gun offense and play both guard positions would make him a perfect complement to an already dynamic duo of his son Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry. The former Lakers star thinks Lin would add depth to the Warriors, giving them an instant firepower off the bench and a reliable insurance to either Curry or Thompson.
Several months ago, Warriors owner Joe Lacob admitted that he regretted letting Lin walk away, adding that he would be open to have Lin playing again for his Warriors if the right time comes.
For the Warriors to get Lin, they have to contend with several suitors that have also shown interest in adding the polarizing Asian-American star. The Rockets have been mentioned several times as the front runner to regain Lin's service, while the Sixers and Nuggets are other potential destinations because they are capable of giving Lin a chance to start again.