2. Jeremy Lin
Before anyone has a fit, no Jeremy Lin isn’t going anywhere this offseason. Marks confirmed as much when he claimed Lin would be the locker room leader after Brook Lopez’s departure.
However, the writing is on the wall for an eventual Lin departure with D’Angelo Russell in tow. There is no other way around it.
The Nets gave up their franchise cornerstone in Lopez as well as a first round pick to acquire Russell. They also absorbed the albatross Timofey Mozgov contract. Marks is heavily investing in Russell’s potential.
They are likely to see him through. Unfortunately for Lin fans, Russell plays Lin’s position. Caris LeVert and Allen Crabbe will also likely see minutes at the 2-spot alongside Russell. Lin may be best suited elsewhere.
Perhaps the Cavaliers will have a point guard vacancy this season. If Kyrie Irving is traded and Derrick Rose underperforms, the team could definitely do worse than adding Lin. Several other teams might come calling too if they suffer from injuries or could use a veteran playmaker.
The Lin-Russell pairing may prove to be awkward too. Maybe the Nets will be the ones calling other teams about their interest in Lin.
Lin is a good role model and a solid player. The Nets were undoubtedly better when he played last season. It just might be better for him and the team to see what kind of return he could fetch on the open market.