Jeremy Lin, the sparkplug once called 'Linsanity' seems to have no choice but to get packing again.
After the big Carmelo Anthony jersey fiasco, a return to Houston would be awkward, to say the least. The team is bent on getting another prime free agent anyway and they don't seem to be convinced that Lin is their point guard of the future.
The Houston Rockets have been offering max contracts left and right, first to Carmelo and then to Chris Bosh. It was surprising since they were not perceived as having enough cap space to do that, but they have been quoted to have a deal in place.
Recent reports indicate that Jeremy Lin has been traded to the Los Angeles Lakers:
Rockets have dealt Jeremy Lin and a future first-rounder to Lakers, sources told ESPN. Houston clearing space to land Bosh, keep Parsons.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) July 11, 2014
It is unknown if he will be part of the Laker's future, but with his talent level, he will be a serviceable player and can contribute significantly to the team. However, when Bryant returns, expect his numbers to dip by a bit.
NBC Pro Basketball Talk has mentioned:
"The Rockets would meet(sic) to make a couple trades including moving Jeremy Lin for next to nothing (maybe to Sixers) to clear out the cap space to do it. That said, the Rockets talked max to Anthony so they have a plan."
This might be the exact move they had in mind. But of course, it will cost them.
"It's believed that the Rockets would have to send Philadelphia at least one future first-round pick to convince the Sixers to go through with the deal, given that Lin is owed $15 million next season despite the fact that his contract will only count for $8.4 million for salary cap purposes.
Sources say that the Sixers, though, are happy to take on Lin -- despite the presence of reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams as their starting point guard -- provided that the extra asset or two they get from Houston is sufficiently attractive."
Incidentally, Sixers GM Sam Hinkie is friends with Houston counterpart Daryl Morey. Hinkie used to work with Morey before he took the Philly position. There's a big chance this pushes through. It's like 'you go first, I'll fix my roster later.' However, with their sights set on the future, the Sixers may as well be tanking again.
