Jeremy Lin has indicated he will opt-out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Unlike many other free agents, however, money isn’t a leading factor in Lin’s decision.
Following from Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer:
“This is the most fun I’ve had in my six years” in the NBA, Lin said. “Being around a great group of guys and a coaching staff that really cares. I’ve learned so much about the game of basketball, particularly at the defensive end.”
Lin indicated he plans to opt out of his contract, which would pay him about $2.2 million next season. Ideally he’d sign a longer-term deal with the Hornets, and Lin said money won’t be the overarching factor in where he signs.
“My biggest thing is I want to have fun and be happy,” he said. “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.
“Honestly, money has never been the most important thing. Money is important because it shows how a team values you. But beyond that I don’t care all that much about money. Me coming here (for slightly more than $2 million a season) showed that.”
After being eliminated by the Miami Heat in Round 1, Lin took to Facebook and wrote a heartfelt letter to the fans of Charlotte. Lin was thankful of the memorable 2015-2016 season the fans, coaching staff, and roster helped create:
After taking a couple of days to process everything from our playoff series, I just wanted to leave you with a very open and honest note to thank all my beloved fans. It’s the least I can do for all your support this past season.
Athletes often say “I have the best fans in the world.” When I say it, I mean it. You all support me with so much enthusiasm that every year my teammates talk about how they’ve never seen such die-hard fans. Sure, sometimes you guys can be a little aggressive or overwhelming for other fans and reporters haha, but I understand that comes from your love for me.
You guys showed up nightly to TWC Arena giving us a huge home court advantage. You made all of us feel like rock stars on our preseason trip to China. You flew in from different U.S. cities and countries (some which required ~18 hours of flying) just to watch regular season games. You guys cared enough about me to make and share a video of fouls committed on me. I received more gifts, support letters and fan art than I know what to do with.
You can read the entire letter from Jeremy Lin here.
The Charlotte Hornets were one of the most surprising teams of the season. Finishing with a 48-34 record and coming within mere steps of finishing as the #3 seed in the East, the Hornets were an extremely resilient Basketball team. Owner Michael Jordan, head coach Steve Clifford, and others helped put together an impressive roster that pushed the Miami Heat all the way to seven games in the first round.
This season for Charlotte was memorable, and Jeremy Lin loved it every step of the way.
Jeremy Lin averaged 11.7 points and 3.0 assists in 78 appearances with the team this season. In the first round, Lin averaged 12.4 points per game off the bench and ranked top-5 in drives per game. Lin averaged nearly six free throw attempts per game and put Miami’s Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside in foul trouble frequently throughout the series.
Charlotte fans hope to see Lin back in a Hornets uniform next season, and the interest certainly appears to be mutual. The official answers don’t come until July in free agency, but it seems as though Jeremy Lin is focused on re-signing with the Hornets on a new deal. Only time will tell.
