Jeremy Lin fans caught in the business vs. loyalty crunch

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NEW YORK – FEBRUARY 15: (NEW YORK DAILY NEWS OUT) A fan of Jeremy Lin #17 of the New York Knicks shows support during a game against the Sacramento Kings on February 15, 2012 at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

Do Jeremy Lin fans have a legitimate beef?

Entering the 2018 offseason, there was a possibility Lin would be traded considering the added factors of salary, age and Brooklyn’s rebuilding mode. During Summer League, Lin was told he would not be traded.

Well, only one week later, he was sent to Atlanta. Now, one thing we have learned again this offseason — and the thing we all need to remember — is the NBA is a business. All NBA teams make personnel moves based on what is deemed to be in the best interest of their franchise.

In this case, sending Lin to Atlanta was a no-brainer based on what they were able to do in the wake of the trade.

The trade was not made because Lin was a bad locker-room player or a distraction for Brooklyn. Lin is a great player when he is on the court and Marks knows that. Marks also appreciated everything Lin has done for Brooklyn over the past two seasons.

"“I’ve got to thank Jeremy for what he’s done here,” Marks said. “It was terrific having him around, having him in our building. He certainly helped with the culture. His work ethic is unprecedented, so for all of our younger guys and the older guys alike to see how hard he works at his craft but also his rehabilitation."

Throughout Lin’s rehabilitation, Brooklyn have respected Lin and helped him out with the hard process. Unfortunately for Lin, it was in Brooklyn best interest to trade him.

On the other hand, the trade has been hard on Lin’s fan base. Marks has been called a liar, a cheater, and a backstabber. These were among of the less aggressive comments towards Marks.

Overall, it is understandable why Lin fans are not only upset, but enraged, over the trade. Lin’s fan base may feel this way, but it was the move to make in order for Brooklyn to set itself up for a bright 2019 offseason and advance the rebuilding process.

But, to answer the question whether Lin fans have a legitimate argument over the trade, the answer is murky. They do have a fair point, but not a significant one. The NBA is a business and this offseason has highlighted the issue of loyalty vs. business.

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The Jeremy Lin trade was a smart business move for Brooklyn to make and that is the inescapable bottom line.