Jeremy Lin's future with the Houston Rockets will not feel secure until Game 1 of the 2014 season. Until then, the point guard is up for grabs as the team continues to shop him and his inflated contract. The Rockets are still holding out hope that Carmelo Anthony will opt to sign with him over the leading contenders like the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. However, Chris Bosh and his max contract are the backup plan, meaning Lin needs to be gone sooner rather than later.
The only way Lin sticks around Houston is if the team fails to land any other options. The Rockets have tried to be contenders for LeBron James, Anthony and a trade for Kevin Love, but so far nothing has come from their efforts. The Rockets cannot make any of those deals happen with Lin on the payroll, but if everything comes up short then the team needs the point guard for help.
According to Chris Broussard of ESPN.com, the Rockets have offered Bosh a max contract worth four years and $96 million. However, Bosh is not ready to accept the payment just yet. He has reportedly told the team he will be waiting for LeBron James to make his decision before making one of his own. Bosh has told the Rockets that he prefers to remain with the Miami Heat and play with James for the next few years, even if it means accepting a pay cut.
Broussard went on to report that the Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as a candidate for a trade regarding Lin. However, they want more than just the point guard. Considering the weight of Lin's contract, the 76ers also want a future first-round draft pick in the deal. That is extremely unlikely to happen. Houston is desperate to shed themselves of Lin, but not that desperate. Lin might stay regardless simply because of his contract, but if Bosh does not sign then he really is going nowhere.
Another Rockets' player having his future dictated by the big-named free agents is Chandler Parsons. Currently a restricted free agent, he is the backup plan for several teams. According to Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas.com, the Mavericks are prepared to make a big offer on Parsons, once they are certain Anthony is not an option. They are taking the same approach with Trevor Ariza.
If the Rockets do not land any of their intended targets, any offer made on Parsons will be matched. Houston simply cannot afford to lose him if they are not getting anyone marquee in return.
