Jeremy Lin: Return to New York Knicks Is Best Outcome for Both Sides

Sometimes, change isn't a good thing. Perhaps Jeremy Lin and the New York Knicks should keep that in mind.

Now, things will be different in New York if Lin returns. For one, the coach he thrived under, Mike D'Antoni, is no longer around. And it's also possible his good friend Landry Fields will be in Toronto according to Marc Stein of ESPN:

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The Toronto Raptors have reached a verbal agreement with New York Knicks restricted free agent Landry Fields on an offer sheet, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.

Sources say that Fields will sign a three-year offer approaching $20 million. He cannot sign until July 11, the first day NBA players can sign new contracts.

"

If the Knicks don't plan on matching, that could push Lin out of town. Perhaps to the Houston Rockets, where he has planned a visit according to Chris Broussard of ESPN:

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Jeremy Lin will visit the Houston Rockets tomorrow, sources say.

— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) July 3, 2012"

Plus, the Knicks have interest in Jason Kidd according to Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, and though they would love to pair the two in a point guard rotation, Lin may want the chance to start and earn serious minutes after becoming a household name last season.

But despite all of these potential hurdles to a Lin and Knicks reunion, both sides are best off sticking together.

For one, Lin will be part of a nice team in New York. Having teammates like Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire should ensure he makes the playoffs every year, though the Knicks don't look like championship contenders any time soon.

He knows the system and he knows the players. With limited NBA experience but high expectations, a transition to a new city could be bumpy for Lin.

For the Knicks, a player like Nash might be the better option in the present, but not at the expense of losing Lin in the long run. If they aren't willing to match an offer sheet given to Lin by another team, that backloads a lot of salary in the latter years of the deal.

Ultimately, it won't matter how much Lin wants to play elsewhere if the Knicks in fact match any offer sent his way. Plus, getting to play behind Nash and learn under his tutelage would only benefit Lin.

The Knicks matching any offer will probably end up being the best result for both sides involved, even if Lin had his sights set on leaving.

Expect to see him wearing a Knicks uniform next season.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets want Dwight Howard to just get traded already, too.