Houston Rockets and Jeremy Lin agree on four year contract – NBA News
The Houston Rockets have reached an agreement with New York Knicks restricted free agent Jeremy Lin regarding a four year deal; a source close to the negotiations has informed the Associated Press.
Lin has landed a back loaded contract which will see him earn $10.2 million over the first two seasons and $9.3 million each over the final two seasons. The fourth and final season is however a team option.
Lin went undrafted out of Harvard University and landed with the Rockets at training camp last year. However, Houston were set at the point guard position last year with Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic. Hence, they did not require
the services of Lin and he landed with the Knicks as a reserve point guard for the 2011-2012 season.
When injuries depleted the Knicks roster in February, then head coach Mike D’Antoni decided to start Lin and he took full advantage of the opportunity. Lin scored at least 20 points in 9 out of 10 games and led the New York Knicks
on a winning streak that put them back in playoff contention. His efforts on the court immediately grabbed the attention of the entire NBA and “Linsanity” took over New York.
Lin reached the peak of his success when he scored 38 points and dished seven assists in a 92-85 win for the Knicks over the Los Angeles Lakers. Overall, Lin averaged 14.6 points, 6.2 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 35 games with 25
starts last season. His season was unfortunately cut short when he had to undergo a knee surgery to repair a torn cartilage and was not able to compete in the playoffs.
The New York Knicks were looking forward to re-signing Lin after he became a restricted free agent at the end of the season. Knicks head coach Mike Woodson has said on more than one occasion that he is looking forward to Lin returning
with the Knicks.
However, Houston have spoiled the party for New York with an offer for Lin. He can officially sign the contract on July 11th after which the Knicks will have 3 days to match the Rockets offer as Lin is a restricted free
agent.
But it is unlikely that the Knicks will match the Rockets offer as they are already in salary cap issues with players such as Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Amare Stoudemire commanding huge salaries.
A back loaded contract offer was one thing the Knicks could not match and that is exactly what the Rockets offered to Lin. Hence, it is likely that Lin will play for Houston next season, who have parted ways with both Goran Dragic
and Kyle Lowry. Lin is likely to be the starting point guard for the Rockets next season.
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