Carmelo Anthony brands Lin’s offer “ridiculous”; Raymond Felton’s return puts a big question mark on the Linsanity era in New York
With the drama surrounding a possible return of restricted point guard Jeremy Lin to the New York Knicks still brewing, Knicks franchise players and forward Carmelo Anthony has said that it is up to the team to decide if they want
to match the “ridiculous” contract that has been offered to him by the Houston Rockets.
The Rockets have given Lin an offer sheet for a three year deal worth $25 million, with $15 million owed in the third year. Lin has accepted the offer and the Knicks have till 11:59 pm on Tuesday to match the deal if they want
to keep Lin.
Initially, it was expected that the Knicks would match the offer and the Knicks Head Coach Mike Woodson had said on numerous occasions that Lin would return to the Knicks next season and would be the starting point guard for the
team. However, the Knicks just recently agreed to a sign and trade deal with the Portland Trail Blazers that will send Raymond Felton back to New York. The Knicks have already signed veteran point guard Jason Kidd to the roster in this year’s free agency.
“At this point there's a lot going on. I stay away from that part right now. I would love to see him back, but I think he has to do what's best for him right now,” said Anthony.
When he was told that it was up to the Knicks to decide whether to bring him back or not, Anthony said:
"It's not up to me. It's up to the organization to say they want to match that ridiculous contract that's out there."
Lin had an amazing season with the Knicks where he scored at least 20 points in 9 of 10 straight games and led the Knicks to a 7-0 run and back into playoff contention, after given the opportunity to start the game in February.
His season was cut short by an injury to his knee that sidelined him from the final few weeks of the regular season and the playoffs, as he underwent surgery. He played a total of 35 games for the Knicks, of which 25 he started.
J.R. Smith, who recently re-signed with the Knicks, said that if Lin was offered such a huge contract, it might create problems in the locker room.
"Without a doubt. I think some guys take it personal, because they've been doing it longer and haven't received any reward for it yet. I think it's a tough subject to touch on for a lot of guys,” Smith said while talking to SI.com.
Felton played with the New York Knicks during the 2010-2011 season, where he was acquired from Charlotte. He averaged 17.1 points and 9 assists per game, and seemed to have formed a great chemistry with forward Amare Stoudemire.
He was traded that same season to the Denver Nuggets in the blockbuster trade that landed Anthony in New York. His return to the Knicks is being well received by the team and could potentially end Lin’s chances of receiving a matching offer from the New York.
"I never played with Felton so I really don't know what to expect from that situation. I can't wait if that's the case,” said Anthony.
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