Brooklyn Nets: Complete 2018 offseason grades

The Jeremy Lin Trade

The Jeremy Lin era in Brooklyn was unfulfilling to say the least. Plagued by injuries, he managed to play a meager 37 games through his only two seasons. With a salary of $12.5 million in 2018-19, and the Nets moving in a younger direction in the backcourt, it was important for Marks to find a way to move Lin’s contract.

Much like other deals made this summer, Lin was traded for future draft picks. Brooklyn sent him to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for a 2020 second round pick, and the rights to Isaia Cordinier, who is currently playing overseas. The Nets also sent Atlanta a 2025 second round pick, and the right to exchange second round picks in 2023.

Though there were high hopes for Lin two years ago when he signed with Brooklyn, he failed to make an impact. He started the 2016-17 season on fire, recording 18 points in the season opener, and recording a near triple-double in their home-opening win against the Indiana Pacers. However, after that point, his season was plagued with injuries, and he failed to make an impact the rest of the season. He ruptured his patella tendon in the 2017-18 season opener, and missed the remainder of the season.

The Nets are deep at the point guard position, with D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie and Shabazz Napier expected to receive most of the minutes. Dumping the $12.5 million owed to Lin allowed Brooklyn to make its next move.

Grade: A+