As the trade deadline looms, there are many reports about teams gauging interest in backup point guard Jeremy Lin. Of those rumored teams, three appear the most interested: the Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings, and the Portland Trailblazers. Lin is averaging 10.7 points and 3.6 assists in 19.6 minutes per contest. The veteran guard has been a key reason the Hawks have been more competitive over the last twenty games, but with the focus in Atlanta strictly on the future, he should be on the move before February 7th’s trade deadline.
Here are three potential trades for Jeremy Lin:
The Orlando Magic trade center Nikola Vucevic and a future 2nd round pick for point guard Jeremy Lin and the Cavaliers 2019 top-10 protected 1st round pick.
Although the Cavs’ pick is unlikely to convey in 2019, it allows the Magic to rid themselves of Vucevic who has been plaguing them in their search for long-term assets. Â In return, Orlando receives Jeremy Lin who is an above-average point guard that could become their leader at the position. With the selection of Mo Bamba in the 2018Â NBA draft, Nikola Vucevic’s days in a Magic Uniform are numbered.
The Atlanta Hawks receive a center who should be perfect in the scheme they run which highlights the center’s ability to hit shots from the perimeter. This would also give a chance for Vucevic to earn a second-contract in Atlanta. On the year, Vucevic is averaging 20.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
This trade benefits both teams, as the Magic acquire a point guard who could be slotted into the starting lineup from day one, and the Hawks get an expiring contract that could eventually turn into a long-term asset should Vucevic prove he is worth keeping.
The Sacramento Kings trade guard/forward Iman Shumpert, point guard Yogi Ferrell and a 2020Â 2nd round pick for point guard Jeremy Lin and small forward Justin Anderson
The Kings 2nd unit has been lackluster, and this trade would stabilize them for a would-be playoff run in the stacked western conference. Sacramento’s youth is turning heads with their stellar play, and Jeremy Lin would add veteran leadership to their 2nd unit. They also rid of two players that aren’t in their future for a veteran point guard that can help them immediately. This trade could put the Sacramento Kings over the hump and solve the woes in regards to their 2nd unit.
The Atlanta Hawks receive two expiring contracts in Yogi Ferrell and Iman Shumpert. Both of these guys are quality players and should receive ample minutes to showcase their ability to the Hawks’ brass. Shumpert is a prototypical 3-and-D player and will provide a boost to Atlanta’s 2nd unit. Ferrell who is a solid contributor, albeit inconsistent, could prove to be Atlanta’s future backup point-guard. This trade benefits both teams as they acquire pieces that can further them towards their respective goals.
The Portland Trailblazers trade guard/forward Evan Turner and a lottery protected 2019 1st round pick for point guard Jeremy Lin.
The Trailblazers have a phenomenal starting five, but when it comes to their 2nd unit, they leave much to be desired. Trading for Jeremy Lin would give them a scoring punch off the bench while providing leadership to the younger guys on the team. This trade would lessen the load on Damian Lillard, allowing him to be fresher for the latter half of the season. Lin can also play besides Lillard at the two.
The Atlanta Hawks receive a decent player in Turner who is currently signed to a top dollar contract with two years left. The caveat to this trade is the first-round pick. The Trailblazers are going to make the playoffs so the pick would convey. Once again, giving the Hawks three first-round picks for the second year in a row.