Jeremy Lin (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
Jeremy Lin is rumored to be one of the potential targets of the Philadelphia 76ers in this summer's free agency market.
The 76ers are once again heading into the offseason with plenty of hopes to finally turn the franchise around after consecutive years of dismal campaigns.
With NBA teams' cap space set to balloon this offseason, thanks to the league's new TV deal, the 76ers could have a projected of more than $60 million in salary cap space to spend for top free agents available in the market.
However, it could prove difficult for a team like Philadelphia, who does not have much assets to attract max contract players, except for their core of young talents, which could include one of the top-three prospects in the 2016 NBA draft. This, according to Tommy Beer of Basketball Insiders, puts the 76ers in a position where they need to overpay top-tier free agents or trade for another team's unhappy camper.
Surely the 76ers would need to spend 90 percent of their cap space for a player, and they may need to offer their money to a point guard. According to Beer, one possible option for Philadelphia is Lin, who expected to opt out of his in the final year of his two-year $4.3 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets and explore free agency, probably for more lucrative offers.
"There are a few elite forwards and centers on the market, but the 76ers' primary objective will be to add guards," Beer wrote.
"The 76ers' best plan of attack may be to target mid-tier talent - players who haven't completely established themselves yet, but have each shown they are legit a NBA talent with an intriguing ceiling."
The 76ers could be a perfect destination for Lin as it would make him the top option at the point guard position, unless the team could sign a star PG.
The 76ers had not have a bona fide starting point guard who could command the floor well since Jrue Holiday was making his name in Philadelphia. Lin, who averaged 11.7 points and 3.0 assists this season, could spread the ball well for the 76ers and provide a scoring punch at the PG position.
Lin may not get a max contract this summer, but he is certain to get a salary upgrade after his remarkable performances for the Hornets during the regular season. Whether the 76ers would offer Lin a heftier paycheck remains to be seen, but if they do, Philadelphia can be assured to get their money's worth in signing the orchestrator of "Linsanity."
