Jeremy Lin. AFP FILE PHOTO
HOUSTON, Texas – NBA free agent star Jeremy Lin, the Asian-American star who sparked “Lin-sanity” last February for the New York Knicks, has reportedly received a rich offer from the Houston Rockets.
The Houston Chronicle reported on Thursday that the Rockets, the former club of Chinese star center Yao Ming, were prepared to offer a backloaded four-year deal for about $30 million to the American of Taiwan and Chinese heritage.
No NBA contracts can be officially completed until July 11 but deal making continues and Lin, a point guard who met with Rockets officials on Wednesday, is far from certain to be leaving New York.
Lin, whose parents are from Taiwan and a grandmother from China, became a smash Broadway hit during last season after having been cut by two NBA clubs, including the Rockets, and being tucked away on the Knicks’ bench.
Injuries to two starters allowed the former Harvard University standout a chance to play and Lin responded by sparking a seven-game Knicks win streak, his clutch shooting and passing skills earning him adoration from fans.
“Lin-sanity” became a worldwide phenomenon and even after his role was reduced he served as an inspirational tale.
As a restricted free agent, Lin can field offers from rival clubs but the Knicks would be allowed to keep him by matching any offer he receives. That could make the price tag expensive to keep him.
The Rockets failed in a bid for Canadian star guard Steve Nash, who has made a reported deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The offer to Lin, 23, would include $5 million in his first season, $5.2 million in his second and about $10 million for the third and fourth seasons.
If the Knicks match the offer, they would be pushed to near salary cap limits with deals for Lin and stars Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler and Amare Stoudemire alone.
The Knicks, who could offer Lin a four-year deal worth $24.5 million, reportedly could be interested in veteran guard Jason Kidd if Lin leaves.
A possible deal for the Rockets if they do land Lin would be sending point guard Kyle Lowry to Toronto, likely for a future first-round NBA Draft choice.
Lin averaged 14.6 points and 6.2 assists a game last season for the Knicks.