Atlanta Added Lin With Future Draft Sweeteners
The Hawks acquired Jeremy Lin from Brooklyn in July 2018, also receiving a future second-round right and a potential 2023 second-round swap. Brooklyn obtained the rights to Isaia Cordinier and a conditional second-round selection. Atlanta wanted an experienced guard who could support a backcourt in transition while young players developed. The Nets sought greater flexibility after injuries and roster changes had limited Lin's role. The draft conditions made the agreement more involved than simply moving one veteran guard for another.
Lin Gave Atlanta Temporary Backcourt Depth
Lin played part of the 2018-19 season with the Hawks, offering ball handling and scoring off the bench. He did not remain a long-term starter in Atlanta and subsequently joined Toronto after being waived. His later association with the Raptors' 2019 championship must not be counted as a Hawks achievement. The relevant Atlanta payoff was the veteran guard play it received while developing a different long-term backcourt. The move answered a short-term need without asking Lin to be the franchise centerpiece.
The Pick Rights Added Another Atlanta Opportunity
The future second-round asset later became associated with a 2025 selection, while the 2023 swap was not exercised. Those are separate forms of compensation, and neither should be counted as immediate 2018-19 on-court production. Brooklyn acquired Cordinier's rights and a conditional second that ultimately did not convey. The Nets therefore obtained relatively little directly measurable NBA playing value from the incoming package, although their roster and salary flexibility remained relevant to their plans.
The Moderate Edge Does Not Depend on Future Titles
Atlanta had an active veteran for part of a season and another draft opportunity to use or redirect later. Brooklyn received rights whose immediate NBA contribution was limited. That is enough to explain the inherited Hawks advantage without inflating Lin's half-season stint into a long-term breakthrough. The trade primarily managed guard availability, roster planning and conditional assets. The better direct basketball return on the initial teams' rosters came from Lin's actual Hawks minutes.
Final Verdict
Hawks Win. Atlanta receives B+ for Jeremy Lin's useful short-term backcourt contribution and future second-round rights, including a 2025 pick, while its 2023 swap went unused. Brooklyn gets C for Isaia Cordinier's rights and a protected second that never conveyed. Lin's later Toronto championship is not credited to Atlanta; the Hawks' actual veteran minutes and extra asset define the edge.