Jeremy Lin's future with the Houston Rockets was uncertain the moment he signed his name to a three-year, $25 million deal that has him earning $14 million this season. With Houston pursing top free agents like Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James, Lin could be forced out of town sooner rather than later. Lin has been on the trading block for a year now and he is not thrilled about it.
The point guard feels disrespected by all of the trade talk. Lin has come into his own as a solid point guard option for the Rockets, proving to be successful as a starter and bench player, but his contract is not doing him any favors. When Anthony paid a visit to Houston for his free agency talk, the Toyota Center had a photo of him wearing a Houston jersey with his famed No. 7 on it. It just so happens that is the same number that Lin wears and that idd not sit too well with the point guard. When a fan asked how he felt about it, Lin responded, "I'm entitled to standup for myself/Say I felt disrespected as I did thru Tweet but point is love unconditionally/as Jesus loved me."
While the Rockets likely did not mean any harm by the photo of Anthony, it does show that the team is desperate to get rid of the point guard in hopes of having enough salary cap space for the guard. Boston Globe reporter Jake Fischer is reporting that the Philadelphia 76ers are the latest team to be linked to Lin. Houston and Philadelphia have expressed interest in striking up a deal, but so far nothing more has come from it. With Michael Carter-Williams at the point guard, their interest in Lin seems questionable.
The Golden State Warriors were looking at a deal for Lin that would include also acquiring Chandler Parsons. However, they just signed Shaun Livingston to come off the bench, taking the spot Lin would have occupied. With that deal dead, could one happen with the New York Knicks? They just traded for Jose Calderon so it seems unlikely, but they could use a true point guard as a backup. If Chandler Parsons is thrown in, New York could be interested.
The number of teams interested in Lin are likely slim. The Los Angeles Lakers could emerge as a possible landing spot for the team. The future of Steve Nash is uncertain and while the Lakers do not want Lin's contract, he is an upgrade from the veteran who may or may not be healthy next season.
