Where Should Jeremy Lin Sign in NBA Free Agency?

The New York Knicks continue their full-court press to keep Jeremy Lin in the Big Apple but NBA free agency isn't always that simple. With his market value up, where can the standout point guard find a new home?

Mike Woodson says Lin is point guard for the New York Knicks

Months ago, interim coach Mike Woodson said he wanted to reshape the New York Knicks philosophy around scorers Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire. This came after the Linsanity helped the team out of mediocrity and back into playoff contention. While no one can question his choice, it did send a clear message that any future for Lin in New York will involve more passing and guiding than any kind of scoring. That hasn't stopped now head coach Woodson from assuring both reporters and fans that Jeremy Lin is the Knicks starting point guard. He even went so far to say that things will return to normal once he's signed and back at practice. Bold words from a man who hasn't even coached a full season about a young man who can make his future with a team that will let him play how he wants. While New York wants him to stay and finish what he started, other teams have already lined up to bid for his services. The question is which of the contenders fits him best?

Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors have good reason to get him

Most of the Lin success came in the Eastern Conference but his real chance for both money and fan love may lay in the West. Two teams lead the pack when thinking about needs for a point guard. First come the Phoenix Suns who will lose Hall of Fame talent Steve Nash as he searches for a championship ring before retiring. That leaves Phoenix in rebuilding mode and looking for dynamic young replacements. While their first target is Brooklyn Nets superstar Deron Williams, rumors continue they have just as much interest in Lin. They aren't the only ones though. One team that hinted they wanted Lin long before Phoenix were the Golden State Warriors. It may sound like a sentence to death since the Warriors haven't had much success since the 1970s, the fact is the team has improved recently and getting Lin would only further their hopes. They also have something other teams don't: a fan base tailor-made for Lin. Based out of the Bay Area in California, Golden State has a large collection of Asian-American locals in their neighborhood. Bringing in the Taiwanese-American Lin who hails from San Francisco wouldn't just help the team on the court, but on billboards and magazines too.

Jeremy Lin shouldn't jump too quick at a new deal from the New York Knicks. Mike Woodson can say what he likes, but NBA free agency can offer greener pastures if a player is willing to explore. The Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors are just the beginning.

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