The Hawks acquired point guard Jeremy Lin and a 2025 second-round draft pick from the Nets in a trade that was completed Friday. As part of the deal, the Hawks also sent the Nets a top-55 protected draft pick in 2020 (via Portland) and the rights to Isaia Cordinier and acquired the right to swap second-round draft picks with the Nets in the 2023 draft.
The trade for Lin is the latest signal that incumbent Hawks point guard Dennis Schroder could be on his way out. The Hawks have made Schroder available in trades over the past several weeks, but have found a lukewarm market for him, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions.
In addition to Lin and Schroder, the Hawks have two other point guards on the roster: Trae Young and Jaylen Adams. Young, the No. 5 overall pick in last month’s draft, is expected to have a major role next season with the rebuilding Hawks. Adams is a “two-way” player who is projected to spend most of his time next season playing for the the G League affiliate in Erie, Pa.
The Hawks absorbed Lin’s $12.5 million salary into their cap space. The Nets will be responsible for paying Lin a $1.25 million trade bonus, but that amount will count against the Hawks’ salary sheet.
Lin, 29, suffered a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee during the first game in 2017-18 and didn’t play the rest of the season. Lin told reporters in February that he planned to be ready by training camp for next season. He was limited to 36 games during the 2016-17 season because of hamstring injuries.
Lin gained international fame while playing for the Knicks during the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season. Injuries to rotation players prompted then-coach Mike D’Antoni to give Lin a chance, and he responded by helping lead a Knicks turnaround. Lin’s popularity was boosted by his status as the first American-born NBA player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent.
Lin has played for four teams over the past six seasons. In 342 games (192 starts) over that span he averaged 27.9 minutes, 12.5 points and 4.5 assists while shooting 43.2 percent from the field, including 35.3 percent on 3-point attempts (369-for-1,046).
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