Jeremy Lin

The phenomenon that is Jeremy Lin has died down for the season with the news that Lin needs knee surgery, and will probably not play again this season unless the Knicks have an unexpectedly long playoff run.  Now the speculation begins as to where he will go next season.

Lin is a restricted free agent, which means that New York has the best chance of signing him.  Under the current rules, restricted free agents who have only played two or fewer years in the league cannot be offered more than the league's average salary (around $5 million) for the first two years of the contract, and their current teams can match the offer sheets even if they are over the salary cap.  Under these restrictions, New York will probably offer him the $5 million mid-level exception.  However, there are also rumors that New York might make a play at Steve Nash, which would make Lin expendable. 

There are a couple of other teams out there who might want to make a run at Lin.  The most intriguing is the New Jersey Nets, who will be moving to Brooklyn next season.  What better way to make a splash by signing Lin away from the Knicks?  Of course this hinges on Deron Williams not coming back to the Nets. 

Another possibility is Toronto, who has been struggling with fan attendance.  When Lin came to town this season, they had a sold-out arena when many Asian fans come out to see Lin.  Toronto also has a sizable Asian population that will be thrilled if they acquired Lin.

One final possibility is Dallas, if the rumors are true and Jason Kidd will retire after this season.  Mark Cuban would love to get his hands on Lin, who is a hard-working, young basketball player with more marketing upside than anyone else in the league right now. 

From Lin's point of view, it would probably make sense to stay in New York.  His gaudy numbers nothwithstanding, he's still a young player who hasn't played that many games.  He needs time and steady play, and Mike Woodson (if he comes back) appears to be willing to give both to him.  Plus he will look loyal and that cannot hurt his marketing side.