NBA Rumors: 4 Reasons Why Jeremy Lin Is a Lock to Stay with the New York Knicks

Jeremy Lin has become an overnight icon for the city of New York. Lin burst onto the scene in February, from virtual non-existence to a star on the hardwood. There isn’t a doubt that Lin is a lock to stay with the Knicks this offseason.

As it stands, Lin is the most underpaid point guard in the game. Quite the steal for the Knicks, but that won’t last long. He has boosted his worth with his consistent play and ability to enrapture the country as "Lin-sanity" brought back the NBA.

Lin will stay with the Knicks—these four reasons are why I guarantee it.

Two-Year Restricted Free Agent

Currently, Jeremy Lin is a two-year restricted free agent with the Knicks. Even though Lin has been quite the deal for the Knicks this season at $609,756, according to spotrac.com, he will look to boost that contract after this seasons breakout—as the average point guard in the NBA makes over $5 million, according to Forbes.com.

Lin isn’t going anywhere as the Knicks will like to hold on to their star player, matching any offer that another team may cough-up this offseason.

Lin has become too valuable not to be offered at least league average. Contract negotiations are not going to hold up the Knicks locking in Lin.

Lin is the Star of the Big Apple

I know that Tim Tebow just arrived, and the Jockey ads will begin to pour in on the advertising boards, but Lin is the man of the hour. He has proven he can help guide a New York team to victory.

Not only is he helping guide the Knicks on the hardwood, but he is wooing an unforgiving city. New York is one of the most notorious cities for being extremely tough on its athletes. So far, Lin is getting nothing but love.

Most recently, the city voted Jeremy Lin as the city’s most beloved athlete, according to this ESPN.com report. Lin defeated New York Yankee short stop Derek Jeter as well as closing pitcher Mariano Rivera.

Need I continue? Lin is a lock.

The Knicks need Lin’s Style

Lin is an unselfish player. He doesn’t mind dishing off the ball to his teammates, helping set his guys up for success. That makes him a perfect fit while playing alongside Carmelo Anthony. Not saying that Anthony is selfish, but the guy loves to shoot.

Lin is also as quick as they come with the ball in his hands. He can make it through elite NBA defenses and use his vision to either shoot or get the ball to a player in better position.

With the consistency Lin shows on the court and unselfish attitude he carries, the Knicks will surely keep him in the Big Apple.

Nice Guy Edge

New York may be taking on a new identity. They are falling in love with the nice guy. Looking at the NBA’s past, that may be just what is needed. Lin is a Harvard graduate and is open with his Christian faith. That’s one nice guy point and counting.

Lin has also seen his legal team send cease-and-desist letters to medical marijuana dispensaries in California that attempted to use the “Lin-sanity” name for a strain of marijuana, according to USAToday. Not only did that infringe on trademark law, it also could hurt a squeaky image.

The NBA has also put a focus on the look and actions of its players off the court. Lin fits the "role model" mold well for a league looking to rebuild itself in one of the largest markets for the sport in the country.

The Knicks need Lin, but the NBA needs Lin in New York as well. Look for Lin’s new pad at the W to stay filled for a little while longer.