Jeremy Lin won't rule out a return to the Knicks in free agency
Is Linsanity heading back to the Big Apple?
By
Zach Harper
•
2 min read
The New York Knicks needed to maintain salary cap flexibility back in 2012 when Jeremy Lin, fresh off his meteoric rise during "Linsanity," became a free agent. Lin signed a contract with the Rockets that featured a balloon payment in the final season of his three-year deal, which would have effectively limited the Knicks from executing their plans of building a title contender down the road. The $15 million poison pill in the third year convinced the Knicks not to match and Houston acquired Lin in free agency.
The Lin-Knicks era lasted just 35 games. But could we see more games added to Lin in a Knicks uniform? He isn't ruling it out, and said as much at the World Economic Forum in China when he was asked about a return to the Big Apple. Lin, a free agent once again, said the Knicks acquiring Derrick Rose makes it less likely for him to sign with them this summer, but he's not closing the door on the idea either. From Sports Illustrated:
Jeremy Lin will be looking for a new home this summer, and though he doesn't think a return to the New York Knicks is probable, he's open to a reunion.
"It's not looking likely, because they just traded for Derrick Rose," Lin said in a conversation at the World Economic Forum in China. "But I will say, ever since I left I've been open to going back, and I still am. Never say never. That's the one thing in the NBA. Never say never. So I've always been open, but right now, I'm not sure it's the best timing.
"I want to find a home," he said. "I want to see how good I can become. I'm 27, an athlete's prime in the NBA is usually 27-30."
It's possible Lin is being truthful about considering that option. It would be foolish to close the door on any team publicly because having 30 potential suitors creates the possibility of a bidding war. You want to make every team in the NBA seem like an option if you're in Lin's position. And the Knicks will definitely need insurance for Rose. The former Chicago Bulls point guard hasn't been able to remain consistently healthy since his knee injury in 2012.
Having someone who can back up Rose in case of emergency and play alongside him in a dual point guard lineup makes a lot of sense. The Knicks just aren't likely to throw their attention toward Lin as they try to find a big man to replace Robin Lopez. They do need depth though and for the right price, Lin could be great depth for them in the backcourt.
