NBA Rumors: Jeremy Lin Targets Nikola Mirotic Trade For Brooklyn Nets; Jimmy Butler Fights Off Offer

By Mitch de Leon
Jeremy Lin
Feb 3, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) drives to the basket during the second half of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 106-97. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The Brooklyn Nets are on a roll this NBA offseason following the entry of Jeremy Lin and Brook Lopez in the roster. To further improve their chances of making a splash in the playoffs next season, the Anthony Bennett squad is said to be mulling over a Nikola Mirotic trade. However, it looks like they found a staunch opponent of this move in Jimmy Butler.

The Chicago Bulls had been virtually left with none of their core members as Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah were shipped to the New York Knicks while Pau Gasol signed with the San Antonio Spurs. Meanwhile, talks of releasing Taj Gibson have already made the rounds in the league. Hence, it comes as no surprise that Jimmy Butler is rejecting the idea of a Nikola Mirotic trade especially in light of the Spanish player's remarkable performance in the Rio Olympics 2016.

Although Jimmy Butler is expected to lead the Chicago Bulls next season, the front office might still push through with the Nikola Mirotic trade. Rumors are rife that the franchise execs no longer see the Spanish star as a good fit in the roster especially in light of the Dwyane Wade and Rajon Rondo contracts. This further fueled the speculations that the Brooklyn Nets are turning out to be attractive NBA trade partners for Nikola Mirotic.

When Jeremy Lin signed with the Brooklyn Nets, the franchise granted one his basketball wishes - to become a starter. Recognized as one of the leaders of the team, fans feel that the Linsanity era will re-emerge in this side of New York. In fact, the Christian basketball star is now thinking of using the tag BrookLin for his new team.

With this in mind, rumors are circulating that Jeremy Lin is calling for a Nikola Mirotic trade. Given the limited minutes of the second-year NBA star with the Chicago Bulls last season, the possibility of him moving this offseason could come true. Moreover, the Dwyane Wade squad might just agree to the trade instead of waiting for Nikola Mirotic to walk away in free agency.

"After a promising rookie campaign in which he finished second to Andrew Wiggins in Rookie of the Year voting, Mirotic struggled to make the transition to consistent starter," noted George Eisner of BBall Breakdown. He added, "Chemistry issues arose when Bulls' new head coach Fred Hoiberg benched long-time team leader Joakim Noah to start Pau Gasol and Mirotic in his pace and space system."

Eisner further pointed out, "The two proved to be ill-fitting and a crowded front court with Taj Gibson and rookie Bobby Portis made it difficult for Mirotic to carve out a consistent role on a nightly basis, and an appendectomy and hematoma removal further worked to derail his sophomore season."

At this point, no official comment has been given by any of the parties concerned. Both Jimmy Butler and Nikola Mirotic appear to be enjoying their time in the Rio Olympics 2016. Meanwhile, Jeremy Lin is still busy in improving his skills this offseason.

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