Jeremy Lin Offseason News, Contract & Trade Rumors: How Would 'Linsanity' Be Affected if Houston Trades Him?
There's something missing from the Houston Rockets in order to make them a championship caliber team. It was a disappointing end to the season for the Rockets as they would lose in the first round of the playoffs against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Despite having who many believe is the best center in the league in Dwight Howard, this Rockets squad still doesn't get stops when they need to. James Harden is a great scorer, but his defensive talents aren't even par.
According to multiple sources, the team is heavily looking to add another star player. Could this mean adding LeBron James or Carmelo Anthony, who both have the option of opting out of their contract? Regardless of who the Rockets add, it may affect Lin because of salary cap issues and roster space.
Lin will be owed almost $15 million next season in the final year of his contract. A bit high? Maybe, but after that the team could re-sign him to a new contract. If a team wanted to trade for him, like the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, or Indiana Pacers, they may also get 7-foot center Omer Asik with the deal.
For Lin, this could be a great opportunity because he could get a lot more playing time and prove his worth on another team. He may be good friends with James Harden and Dwight Howard, but he has to worry about his own legacy as well. If Lin were to fill the point guard gap on the Pacers roster, he could put the team over the edge in the Eastern Conference. Lin is also a talented scorer as well.
Imagine the return of "Linsanity" to Madison Square Garden?
There are some risks for Lin, however, that are out of his control. If the Rockets do trade him, obviously he won't have a say where he goes. At least Lin got to see the playoffs as he contributed the No. 4 seed Rockets all season long. He may get traded to a terrible team with no hope in sight. Luckily for Lin, even if that does occur, he is capable to test free agency after this season regardless.
Of course the big names of Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Chris Bosh, and Dwyane Wade will dominate headlines with their opt out decisions, but Lin could be a steal for a team. Lin will be just 26 years old next season. Although Lin and Asik combined will carry a nearly $30 million pay roll for an eager team next season if traded together, it's likely the two will take a pay cut afterwards because of the demand. Again, it may be worth overpaying for the two for one season so you can keep them for the future for less money.
A team will have to take a big cap hit the first year, but relief will come.
It may be a good thing for Lin to get out of Houston. Despite his talents, the Rockets only started Lin in 33 games last year and played Lin 28.9 minutes per game. Lin doesn't fit the Kevin McHale system of rotating point guards and lack of emphasis of defense. The benefits of leaving the Rockets and testing free agency the following year could be advantageous for his career.
If the Rockets do make the make the big offseason move and bring in Anthony or James, expect Lin to be on the move.
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