NBA Rumors: Jeremy Lin's Best Move Would Be Back To the Golden State Warriors

You know the free agent market is starting to thin out when point guard Jeremy Lin is one of the most popular names available. ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports that both the New York Knicks and Golden State Warriors are interested in Lin, who was waived by the Houston Rockets.

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New Warriors owner Joe Lacob remains one of Lin's biggest fans and didn't want to release him earlier this month, but Golden State had no other choice thanks to the offer sheet it ultimately extended to then-restricted free agent DeAndre Jordan.

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Lin showed some promise in the D-League last season and has plenty of time for development at age 23, but he needs to start seeing consistent minutes if he's going to reach his potential. Once the Knicks get healthy, his playing time would be sparse.

That's why returning to Golden State is Lin's best option. Being backed by ownership can only help his cause after playing in 29 games for the Warriors last season.

There are already some minutes available behind Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis, who will both need regular rest as the condensed schedule begins to take its affect. Curry is also dealing with a bothersome ankle, which could open up even more playing time at the point.

For players who are considered nothing more than depth, an opportunity to play is the most important factor. Plenty of talented players end up in crowded rotations and never get to show off their true ability because it's impossible to find a rhythm while playing sporadic minutes.

That's the case for Lin.

Those glimpses of talent that he's shown are enough to get him on a roster. He just has to hope it's one where the coach is ready to give him a chance, which makes the waiver process an uneasy one. A team that might not even need Lin could claim the guard just to keep him away from other franchises.

Should he clear waivers, the Warriors should be Lin's first choice since he knows the support he has there, and it comes from the most powerful man in the organization.

It's the best situation he could hope for while trying to assert himself as a legitimate NBA talent.