NBA Free Agency 2012: Why Jeremy Lin Is a Lock to Return to NY Knicks

Jeremy Lin will remain a member of the New York Knicks for the foreseeable future.

Though the overnight phenomenon is a restricted free agent this summer, don't expect to see him donning any colors other than orange and blue next season. And the Knicks have Gilbert Arenas to thank for that.

The "Gilbert Arenas" rule—introduced in 2005—dictates that teams cannot offer contracts over the NBA's average salary to restricted free agents with two or less years of experience. Lin falls under this stipulation.

While New York is over the salary cap for next season, no other team can offer Lin more than $5 million—the league's average salary—for the first year of his contract. The Knicks have full use of the mid-level exception this summer—also $5 million—meaning they can match any offer sheet that comes Lin's way.

For those worried about the multi-year deals that will be thrown at Lin, though, there is truly no cause for concern.

The most a competing team could offer the point guard in the second year of any deal is a 4.5 percent increase from the first. It wouldn't be until the third year of any contract that a max salary could come into play.

Under the current league salary rules, the Knicks also have the ability to match any ensuing years that will be tossed Lin's direction.

So, essentially, with the aforementioned rules in place, the only way Lin doesn't return to New York is if the team isn't interested in bringing him back.

Lin has publicly acknowledged that he doesn't believe his future with the Knicks is cut and dry, sentiments undoubtedly fueled by Amar'e Stoudemire's endorsement of former teammate and free-agent-to-be Steve Nash.

From the New York Daily News:

"

“Nothing is set in stone. That’s what I’ve learned,” Lin said Thursday. “We talked about (my free agency). I love the Knicks and the organization. But at the same time, it’s a business. Me, personally, I think it would be great if I come back. But crazy things happen and I don’t really know what’s going to happen.”

"

However, whether Lin admits it or not and whether the Knicks pursue Nash or not, the point guard is a lock to sign a long-term deal with New York.

Mike Woodson has made it perfectly clear that Lin is a part of the Knicks' future, a notion echoed in the financial boom that comes with signing Lin's paychecks.

Linsanity brought a sleeping Madison Square Garden back to life, broke cultural barriers many refused to admit existed and took the entire world by storm.

There is plenty of money to be made off a player like that and the Knicks know this, they've already made some of it. And if anyone believes the organization is willing to walk away from an investment that will pay immeasurable dividends regardless of well Lin plays on the court, they're severely misguided.

The Toronto Raptors can show all the interest they want, but neither they, nor any other team, will be able to pry Lin away from the Knicks. That notion becomes even more of a formality should NBA Players Association (NBAPA) prevail in its quest to challenge the league's interpretation of certain free-agent rights.

But even an unfavorable ruling in that scenario means next to nothing. Lin is too important to the Knicks' future, their persona and the franchise's wallet to just let him walk, especially when they have the means to keep him.

New York was the origin of Linsanity, and fittingly enough, it will remain Lin's home for years to come.

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