NBA: Jeremy Lin, Best Bargain Contracts For All 30 Teams

The Best Bargain Contract On All 30 NBA Teams

January 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7, right) dribbles the basketball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30, left) during the third quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Hornets 111-101. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 6, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) looks on from the court against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns won 111-102. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlotte Hornets: Jeremy Lin

2015-16 Salary: $2.1 million
2016-17 Salary: $2.2 million (player option)

Honorable Mention: Kemba Walker

We’re going to cheat a little bit here, which might feel a tad egregious for the Kemba Walker fans who’d point out that the Charlotte Hornets‘ starting point guard is posting a career best shooting line of .435/.354/.849 on a reasonable $12 million salary. But even if Jeremy Lin has a player option for next season, how could we NOT go with the guy having major bench impact while playing on a $2 million salary?

Try as he (and his ever-changing, always entertaining hairstyles) might, Lin hasn’t quite reached peak levels of Linsanity in Charlotte. But he’s still averaging 12.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists in 26.1 minutes per game, and his Per 36 Minutes numbers are as good as they’ve been since his breakout season in New York.

Those pining for Lin to take over the starting job should probably pump the brakes, but he’s playing his way into a nice new contract this summer. Here’s hoping this mutually beneficial fit lasts past this season if he opts out and becomes able to sign with anyone.

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