Jeremy Lin of the Charlotte Hornets reacts after making a basket against the San Antonio Spurs. (Photo : Getty Images/Streeter Lecka)
Jeremy Lin is now an official member of the Brooklyn Nets after signing a three-year, $36 million contract. It is considered a great deal for the Nets by many experts and one sportswriter thinks it is the best bargain contract of the 2016 NBA free agency along with Festus Ezeli's two-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers.
According to Ananth Pandian of CBS Sports, Lin's $36 million deal with the Nets is the best bargain deal this summer. He noted that the 27-year-old and nine other players were actually underpaid by teams that signed them.
With Lin, the Nets got a great deal for a player that is ready for the spotlight in Brooklyn. He also brings a great value to the team not only in basketball terms but also to the marketing side. The Asian-American point guard is one of the most popular players in the world and he will undoubtedly bring in a lot of merchandise sales.
Add it to the fact that Lin may have the best season of his career with the Nets. He is slated to be the team's starter and he will be the second option on offense after Brook Lopez. Even though the Nets will be one of the worst teams in the NBA next season, Lin could emerge as a bigger star.
Lin's deal with the Nets has a player option for the final year of the contract, Nets Daily reported. He will make $11.5 million next season, $12 million for the second year and a $12.5 million option for the third. Compared to deals for other point guards like Mike Conley and Rajon Rondo, the Nets got a great bargain for Lin.
On the other hand, Ezeli came in second for his very reasonable deal for two years worth $15 million. The former Warriors center was slated to get more than that but injury concerns and a bad postseason contributed to his drop.
However, the Blazers got a good rim protector that instantly fits their system. He can also provide rebounds and scoring coming from the interior.
Other players that signed multiyear deals but were considered bargains include Mirza Teletovic (Bucks), Langston Galloway (Pelicans), Marvin Williams (Hornets) and Dirk Nowitzki (Mavericks). The remaining players such as Brandon Jennings (Knicks), Marreese Speights (Clippers), Jared Sullinger (Raptors) and Manu Ginobili (Spurs) all signed one-year contracts.
Check out the video below for Lin's Top 10 plays last season.
