Jeremy Lin (Photo : Getty Images)
The Charlotte Hornets is one team that is expected to work overtime in the offseason.
The team has so many key players in free agency and they have to set their priorities. Jeremy Lin is their reserve point guard but most of their fans recognize that this is only because Kemba Walker is playing like the Most Improved Player.
Lin has the talent to start on another team and this is what makes Hornets' fans worried. Fortunately for them, Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer tweeted that Lin really wants to stay with the team.
Jeremy Lin said he "absolutely" wants to return to @hornets. Said he'd even take a discount and this season was most fun he's had in @nba.
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) May 2, 2016
Lin on money not being the biggest factor in where he signs this offseason: "I don't really care that much about money." — Rod Boone (@rodboone) May 2, 2016
Asked Lin if plan is to opt out, sign long-term deal with @hornets: "Yeah I think that would be the perfect situation if that could happen."
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) May 2, 2016
Asked Lin if it's more about best fit for him as he determines his next move. Said he wants to be happy and have fun, and is tired of moving — Rod Boone (@rodboone) May 2, 2016
Lin: "I've been paid on the lower end and had a blast, and I've been paid on the higher end and not enjoyed it at all."
— Rod Boone (@rodboone) May 2, 2016
Based on these series of tweets, Lin values staying with the Hornets' more than the possible big offers he could get from other teams. He is expected to receive offers from the Brooklyn Nets and Chicago Bulls among other teams.
It is well within Lin's character to choose team fit and fulfillment with the team over taking the money. However, as we have learned fromt the DeAndre Jordan incident from last season, nothing is final until pen is placed on paper.
There is still a lot of work for the Hornets brass to do. If they do not give proper value to Lin, he could just walk.
However, staying with Charlotte for the long haul might be a great decision for him. As Bleacher Report noted, the Hornets can become consistent contenders in the East if they keep this core together. Coach Steve Clifford has managed to maximize the talents of Nic Batum, Marvin Williams, Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lin extracting the best performances of their career.
One reason to be optimistic is the return of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist next season from injury. The No. 2 pick in 2012,is described as "a shutdown defender, active rebounder and relentless fast-break finisher. His ceiling sits at a skyscraper's height if he finds a sustainable shooting stroke."
