Linsanity is about to come to Atlanta since Brooklyn Nets decided to trade guard Jeremy Lin to Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night. Hawks will send 2020 second-round pick from the Portland Blazers and rights to Isaia Cordinier. Cordinier was drafted 44th overall in 2016 NBA Draft but remained to play Europe.
Besides Jeremy Lin, the Nets will also send a 2025 second-round pick and the right to swap picks in 2023 to Hawks. Lin confirmed the trade by posting a photoshopped photo of himself in the Atlanta Hawks jersey.
Following the trade, Nets minority owner Joe Tsai went on Twitter and expressed his appreciation for Lin writing that “he represents the underdog in all of us — truly first class on and off the court” and that “he sets an example for perseverance and leadership.”
Sean Marks has kept me updated on our team's moves during this offseason. He and his team are doing terrific work to build the Nets for the long term. I love Jeremy Lin because he represents the underdog in all of us — truly first class on and off the court.
— Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) July 13, 2018
Jeremy is not only exciting to watch, he sets an example for perseverance and leadership. We are great friends, and I will follow his progress no matter where he is.
— Joe Tsai (@joetsai1999) July 13, 2018
The move benefited both teams. Atlanta Hawks got some pick and put their free salary cap space in good use by absorbing Jeremy Lin’s $12.5 million expiring contract. They will also get a replacement for Dennis Schroder, who is expected to be traded soon.
On the Brooklyn Nets side, they got some salary cap space which they will probably use to take on salary dumps which will get them more draft picks and/or young talents. They will not feel Lin’s absence that much since they have D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie to take on guard roles.
Jeremy Lin joined the Nets in 2016, signing a three-year, $36 million contract. Struggling with injuries, he managed to play only 36 games, in which he averaged 14.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. Injuries prevented him from playing in the last season as well since he suffered ruptured patella tendon on the right knee in the opener against Indiana Pacers and was ruled out for the entire season.
