Jeremy Lin opts in early for $12.5 million deal, determined to resume training
Brooklyn Nets point guard Jeremy Lin is still in the middle of recuperating from his season-ending knee injury back in October 2017, but the 29-year old basketball player is not taking this sitting down. In fact, he has just reportedly opted in for a $12.5 million player option for the third and final year of his $36 million contract with the team. This is a pioneering move for athletes in his league, according to ESPN's Bobby Marks' post on his personal Twitter account.
ESPN's Zach Lowe cites league sources as he shared this information on his personal Twitter account. Lin, who is set to turn 30 before the next season starts, was inactive during the previous season after rupturing his patellar tendon. This follows two previous hamstring injuries last season, limiting him to just playing 36 games during the first year of his deal with the Nets.
However, despite the contract renewal, the question remains as to whether Lin is physically ready to resume playing for the Nets.
In a recent interview with Slam, Lin said that he has been "moving really well, so everything's going according to plan." He added that he has already regained his mobility for months. Lin has been undergoing rehabilitation 3,000 miles away in Fortius Sport and Health in Vancouver, British Columbia together with personal trainer Rick Celebrini. Fans are being reassured that the Nets' medical team is taking utmost care of Lin's recovery. The rehabilitation process has been focused on addressing muscular imbalance, movement deficiencies, and even Lin's regular posture.
Lin expects to be ready once training camp resumes in the fall season and is adamant that his knee injury will not deter him from returning to his same attacking style nor shy away from physical contact.
Aside from rehabilitation, Lin has been keeping himself busy with the Jeremy Lin Foundation, which works with underprivileged youth in various areas. His foundation aims to shed light onto issues that are being "swept under the rug" and organizations that are considered to be underdogs.
