Jeremy Lin #7 of the Charlotte Hornets is fouled by Derrick Rose #1 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on December 5, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo : Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Jeremy Lin could move to another team when he becomes a free agent in July. This early, the former Harvard University standout is being linked to several teams, including the Chicago Bulls.
Lin will become a free agent this summer after announcing that he will opt out of the second season of his two-year contract with the Charlotte Hornets. The Bulls could eventually make a run at Lin once the free agency period begins in July, Hoops Rumors reported.
According the report, the Bulls could chase Lin this offseason if they will be able to find a taker for Derrick Rose, who is reportedly on trading block. And even if the Bulls keep the former NBA Most Valuable Player, Lin could be an ideal target for the Bulls if they want to get a quality backup or possible starter in case Rose goes down with another injury.
Lin, who inked a two-year deal worth $4.37 million with Charlotte last summer, has provided a huge lift for the Hornets off the bench last season. The 27-year-old point guard, who played behind Kemba Walker in the rotation, averaged 11.7 points to go along with 3.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 78 regular-season games.
Aside from the Bulls, the New York Knicks and the Houston Rockets were mentioned as likely landing spots for Lin this offseason. Lin had his breakout year and maintained solid fan base in New York, but the Rockets reportedly have a strong chance to land the California native after Houston hired Mike D'Antoni as head coach.
Meanwhile, the Bulls are also ready to listen to offers for All-Star guard Jimmy Butler. The 26-year-old guard, who agreed to a five-year deal worth $92.3 million last summer, averaged 20.9 points on top of 5.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists for the Bulls this season.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, particularly head coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau, are reportedly willing to package the No. 5 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft in a deal for Butler. The Celtics are also reportedly ready to give up their No. 3 pick along with Jae Crowder for the former Marquette star.
However, the Bulls are not actively shopping Butler and are more willing to trade Rose, Basketball Insiders revealed. In fact, the report revealed that the Bulls are eyeing Vanderbilt guard Wade Baldwin with their No. 14 pick in the draft as preparation for a possible trade involving Rose.
Watch Lin's top 10 plays for the 2015-16 NBA season.
