KEY POINTS

  • Jeremy Lin is unlikely to make CBA return while NBA free agency is ongoing
  • The Beijing Ducks urges Lin to forego his NBA dream
  • Lin prefers to fulfill dream return over big money for now

Jeremy Lin has yet to officially hook up with an NBA team as he continues to pursue his dream to return to the league.

Though most see it as doable, the closest that the 32-year-old has gotten is being associated with the Golden State Warriors.

Unfortunately, his former Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) team feels that Lin would best return to China instead.

The Beijing Ducks are trying to convince him to return there instead and give up his dream of making an NBA comeback, the South China Morning Post reported.

Lin left the Ducks after leading the club to the CBA semi-finals. Beijing bowed to eventual champion, the Guangdong Southern Tigers.

Looking at his averages, Lin made a good account of himself with the Ducks. He averaged 22.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.6 during his term.

However, Beijing knew when they signed the Taiwanese-American that an NBA return was always on the books.

There is a chance that Lin may return, but it will depend on what happens in the NBA offseason. Free-agent signings are underway and he appears to be a clear target by the Warriors.

Lin was spotted playing ball with some of the Dubs via Instagram, courtesy of Jordan Jimenez. Among the players, he was with include Eric Paschall, Kevon Looney, Marquese Chriss and Alen Smailagic.

Aside from that, Lin appears to have the endorsement of Stephen Curry. The Dubs superstar sees him as a sensible addition to the bench, someone who can ably fill in and spell him this coming NBA season.

Even if Lin fails to make the Warriors roster, there is another team who is interested in taking him in–the Brooklyn Nets. Other unnamed teams could be thinking the same.

In all, the chances of the Ducks convincing Lin to forego his NBA dream is not looking that good.

For as long as there are franchises interested in the 6-foot-3 guard, it appears the Ducks will just have to wait until Lin himself decides to end his aspirations to set foot on an NBA court.

If he does get signed up, Lin is expected to get a bench role. His pay will not be that high, likely the veteran’s minimum.

On the other hand, Lin could get better pay in the CBA if he wanted to. But his goal of suiting up for any NBA squad seems more valuable than money for now.

Jeremy Lin #7 of Beijing Ducks
Jeremy Lin #7 of Beijing Ducks Getty Images | Fred Lee