Jeremy Lin Trade: Linsanity Over? Sources say NY to Let Lin Walk to Houston Rockets
It appears as if Linsanity may indeed by over; at least for New York Knick fans. With the recent acquisition of the now returning Raymond Felton, many experts are predicting that the Knicks will not match the three-year $25 million dollar offer sheet that was drawn up by the Houston Rockets for Jeremy Lin.
The eye raising deal would pay Lin $5 million and $5.2 million respectively in the first two years and $14.9 million in the third. The uncommon contract is known as a poison pill, as a balloon type payment is being offered in the final year of the deal in order to discourage the Knicks from matching the offer. New York has until 11:59pm ET on Tuesday to either meet it or say sayonara to Lin.
Although he averaged 14.6 ppg with the Knickerbockers, there has been large debate as to whether Lin is a truly proven commodity; especially after playing in only 35 games before a knee injury sidelined him for the playoffs.
Former teammate Jared Jeffries, who was recently acquired by the Portland Trailblazers through the sign-and trade that sent Felton to the Knicks, had the following to say regarding Lin:
"I never thought they would let him go," he told ESPN through text on Sunday.
Face of the Knicks Carmelo Anthony responded with the following when he was asked about his take on the Lin proposal:
"It's not up to me. It's up to the organization to say that they want to match that ridiculous contract," said Anthony.
The superstar small forward also added, "I'd love to see him back, but I think he has to do what's best for him right now."
Bizarrely enough, The Rockets were the team that waived the Asian sensation in order to make room in the team's payroll back in December of 2011.
With Linsanity looking to make its sequel in Houston, the ball is in New York's court to make a move. Will he stay or will he go? And unfortunately for the believers, chances are it's the latter.
