Nothing is certain this NBA trade season, but there is a high likelihood that Jeremy Lin will be playing somewhere besides Houston next season.
After being dissed by the Rockets while they were trying to court free-agent Carmelo Anthony, Lin took to twitter to express his feelings. Houston management tried to make it better by playing the 'just business' line, but everyone saw through their tactless act. It seems the best course for all involved at this point is just to send Lin somewhere else. The Rockets have made it known they want sign a top free agent this year, and they will need to free up cap space to do it.
According to ESPN's Marc Stein and other's writing about it around the web, there are three teams that have a good shot at Lin.
1. The Philadelphia 76ers are the most likely, probably. They have a lot of cap space, and like the thought of Lin backing up rookie of the year, Michael Carter-Williams at the point. Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie is friends with Rockets GM Daryl Morey, after working alongside Morey before moving to Philadelphia so that fact increases the probability of this deal happening to a degree.
2.The Milwaukee Bucks have also shown interest in Lin, but Stein's sources report they are looking a deal-sweetener to make the agreement go. According to a tweet by Stein, The Bucks are also pitching deals to Eric Bledsoe and Greivis Vasquez. Since Kevin Love has made it clear that he wants to depart, the team must find Ricky Rubio some scoring help.
3. According to the San Jose Mercury News, the Warriors have made it known to Houston that they are also interested in picking up Lin. The Warriors have a $9.8 million trade exception left from the trade that sent Andris Biedrins and Richard Jefferson's expiring contract to Utah. Lin is scheduled to make $15 million this season, but only around $8.5 will count against the salary cap, so the Warriors could take his salary without giving up any players.
Lin is only going on 26 years old, and has already proven he can rise to superstar status in this league. He is a baller, but more than that, a great teammate by most accounts. One year removed from averages of 12.5 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.0 steals per game on 28.9 minutes, Lin probably still has his best basketball in front of him.
