2016 NBA Trade Rumors & Updates: Jeremy Lin Leaving Charlotte Hornets For Chicago Bulls Next Season?

May 04, 2016 01:20 PM EDT

Update

Although various sources have been speculating that Jeremy Lin will leave the Charlotte Hornets this year, it seems the athlete is willing to stay with the team. Journalist Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer recently tweeted that Lin is even willing to take a pay cut if this would help in securing his role in the Hornets.Boone noted that Lin enjoyed his time with Charlotte last season and is looking forward to spending another year with the team.

If the Hornets agree to Lin's deal about taking a pay cut, then it can increase the team's salary space, which it can then use to either get a new player or extend someone else's contract.

Original Article:  

This week, it was rumored that Jeremy Lin will be entering the free agency market later this year. Although it is not yet clear which team he will join after leaving the Charlotte Hornets, various reports suggest he might end up with the Chicago Bulls.

Lin just came from a disappointing loss to the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs. And, even though fans clearly saw how well the point guard played especially in Game 3 and 4, it seems Lin is still not happy with how the team treats him.

Despite his performance and skillset, Lin is not a starter for the Hornets. He is usually just a reliever for Kemba Walker or Courtney Lee. And, according to sports analysts, out of the other free agents in the team, Lin is not in the top priority list. Specifically, the team seems to be favoring Nic Batum more than Lin, according to Yibada.

Because this, Lin is reportedly feeling that the Hornets is not giving him the proper playing time since he's not a starter. Of course, with less minutes on the court, this means the team doesn't get to utilize his full potential.

This led various sources to speculate that Lin might hit the free agency market this summer. As to where he could end up, there are actually various teams out there that are looking for a guard that can maintain a fast-paced type of gameplay. One of these is the Chicago Bulls, Sportsrageous reported.

Although the Bulls still has Derrick Rose, the team can't solely rely on him primarily due to his injuries. Because of this, the team could end up trading Rose for another player or Lin. And, given his playing style, which includes quick cuts and drives to the basket, Lin would adapt well to Fred Hoiberg's coaching techniques.

In addition, it would be interesting to see Lin playing with small forward Jimmy Butler. With these two leading the Bulls' offense, there's a chance that the Chicago team could return to its former basketball glory.

Of course, the Bulls is only one of the teams that could end up signing Lin. There are still other teams in the league that are probably looking to get Lin in their rosters.