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NBA: The Best 2016 Free Agent For Every Team

By Ryan Blackburn

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to Indiana Pacers playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to Indiana Pacers playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets point guard Jeremy Lin (7) controls the ball against New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets point guard Jeremy Lin (7) controls the ball against New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) during the first quarter at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls – Jeremy Lin

The Chicago Bulls have struggled to develop locker room chemistry and cohesion ever since the inflammatory comments that Jimmy Butler made about Fred Hoiberg’s coaching style. They have many issues to work out, and there’s a ton of roster turnover about to take place in all likelihood.

Whether they will blow it up or make moves to get back into the playoff picture remains to be seen, but one player who could help guide the process in both scenarios is Jeremy Lin. The current Charlotte Hornet is due for a raise after a strong season in the Queen City.

With Derrick Rose always being an injury risk, Lin is about as good of a backup candidate as the Bulls can ask for. He’s a capable starter when necessary and can keep Hoiberg’s pace and space style going smoothly. If they want to compete in the playoffs, Lin has experience; if they want to rebuild, Lin can lead the effort and help the development of Doug McDermott, Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis.

Lin has expressed interest in returning to Charlotte, but he will absolutely opt out of his player option. He has earned a new, multiyear deal that the Hornets may not be able to pay. They are dealing with multiple free agents, including Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams, Al Jefferson, Courtney Lee and Lin. It’s possible that Lin would be the last piece to re-sign.

If Chicago made him a priority in free agency, he would possibly sign for less than what his true value to the Bulls would be as the first alternate to Rose. Lin is a versatile piece who will be paid by someone this offseason, and Chicago looks like an ideal destination.

Next: Cleveland Cavaliers