Charlotte Hornets point guard Jeremy Lin is making a strong case for a possible salary bump this summer after a string of impressive performances, which resembled his "Linsanity" moment in New York four years ago.
Lin, who is playing in his sixth season in the league, signed a two-year, $4.37 million deal with the Hornets last summer. But the 27-year-old point guard could become a free agent again this summer because he could opt out of his $2.24 million contract for the 2016-17 season.
Most players are already looking forward to the 2016 free agency, as teams are expected to have at least $90 million salary cap due to effect of the new NBA television deal. And based on his recent performances, Lin could eventually opt out and sign a new deal with the Hornets or move to another team.
Lin struggled in February, as he posted just 10.0 points on 39 percent clip from the field. But in their last three games, the former Harvard University standout scored 22.0 points per game on 62.3 percent shooting from the field, including an impressive 7-for-8 clip from beyond the arc.
In their 91-88 win against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday, Lin erupted for 15 of his 29 points in the final period to help the Hornets complete a huge comeback from a 23-point deficit. And on Thursday, Lin had another huge night, scoring 21 points to lead Charlotte to a 105-100 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, earning praises from Nicolas Batum.
"Jeremy Lin was huge for us," Batum said of Lin via ESPN. "In the third and fourth, he stepped up again for us. He did it last night in the second quarter to give us life, and he did it again tonight. I don't think we would have won that game if he didn't step up again for us."
More: Jeremy Lin Praises God After Leading Charlotte Hornets to Huge Win Over San Antonio Spurs
With Lin carrying the cudgels for the Hornets in the last three games, the Hornets suddenly found themselves in the running for one of the top four playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, which could give them homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
The Hornets hold a 41-30 card and are currently sixth in the standings behind the Cleveland Cavaliers (51-20), Toronto Raptors (48-22), Atlanta Hawks (42-30), Boston Celtics (42-30) and Miami Heat (41-30) heading into the home stretch of the regular season.
Do you think Lin deserves a bigger contract this summer? Share your thoughts below.
