NBA Rumors: Losing Jeremy Lin Wouldn't Harm Knicks' Chances

The 2012 NBA offseason has been the most hectic in recent memory. Jeremy Lin has been the most talked-about star aside from Dwight Howard and Deron Williams.

There are plenty of signs that point to the New York Knicks re-signing Lin at all costs, but even if they weren't able to bring him back, the team would be fine without him.

According to ESPN's Chris Broussard, Lin is being courted by yet another team:

"

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

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

This could be a case of another team bringing Lin in to jack up the price for the Knicks, but it could also be a serious bid for the 23-year-old international phenom.

Lin's exit would be a tough pill to swallow. But while it seems unlikely that he will leave for greener pastures, the Knicks do have other options.

They still have their mid-level exception available, meaning that Raymond Felton would be a viable option to run the point. Sure, he isn't the cat's meow in the backcourt, but he doesn't have to be a superstar.

For those who forgot, Felton and Stoudemire had great chemistry with each during the 2010-2011 season before Felton was shipped to the Denver Nuggets. Felton averaged career highs in points (17.1) and assists per game (nine). Stoudemire averaged the second-most points in his career, 25.3, and 8.1 rebounds per game.

There's also the possibility of signing Jason Kidd to a veteran minimum contract. He's older, slower and not as good as he used to be, but he can still run an offense in which he is not the main guy.

Another unrestricted free agent is Goran Dragic, who played for the Rockets last season. Dragic reportedly met with the Rockets on Monday, and it's completely illogical for GM Daryl Morey to sign both players.

So, if Lin does get an offer that the Knicks don't want to match, there are other options out there for James Dolan and GM Glen Grunwald.

Knicks fans should expect a huge season out of Carmelo Anthony in 2012-2013, one that puts last season's effort to shame.

Anthony battled a lingering groin issue all season, but he still managed to average 29.3 points per game in the month of April. He single-handedly carried the Knicks to the seven spot in the Eastern Conference. His field-goal percentage steadily increased over the last four months of the season.

Everybody remembers that the Knicks went 18-6 to close out the regular season, but far fewer remember that Lin played in only six of those final 18 wins, playing an average of just 28.5 minutes per game.

Losing Lin would be a punch in the gut, there's no doubt about that. But even without Lin, the Knicks still have a big three of Anthony, Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler on their roster.