Knicks Rumors: NY Must Match Any Offer for Jeremy Lin to Keep Linsanity Alive

Just when it seemed as if the world was in the New York Knicks' hands, ESPN reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have thrown the franchise a curveball it just can't handle.

Steve Nash, who was previously targeted by New York (as reported by ESPN) has ended up in the jersey that Phoenix Suns fans believed they'd never see him wearing: that of the Lake Show. Believe it or not, that simply scratches the surface of where the madness begins for the New York Knicks.

Just as the Knicks have lost out on Steve Nash, it appears they're in a threatening position to lose their own star point guard. According to a report by Yahoo! Sports, the Houston Rockets have made an offer to Jeremy Lin. This puts the Knicks in a precarious position as they must now compete to bring back their most marketable name.

As the New York Post reports, the deal just so happens to be of quite the hefty amount of money.

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Houston Rockets set to offer Jeremy Lin a three-year deal worth about $31 million nyp.st/PerCNY

— New York Post Sports (@nyp_sports) July 5, 2012"

Fortunately for the Knicks, Lin is under early Bird Rights. Financially speaking, this should not be an issue. The question is, will the Knicks re-sign their fastest rising star? Considering the Knicks have made a living out of trading young players, it's only fair to assume they'll let Lin walk.

For once in his tenure, however, let's give Jimmy Dolan the benefit of the doubt.

In securing Jeremy Lin, the Knicks will retain one of the most popular NBA players in the world. They'll also be starting a point guard who is just as likely to put up 25 points as he is 10 assists. Considering their next best option would be to sign Raymond Felton, this is clearly the move to make.

Even if NBA fans don't support it.

With great fame comes great criticism and borderline hatred. Jeremy Lin learned that the hard way, as fans began to focus on any and every flaw in his game. What they ignored, however, was how much better the Knicks played with him on the floor. Another fact that should not have eluded their attention: The kid is only 23 years old.

With the potential to sign a player who could be your starting point guard for the next five to 10 years, the Knicks cannot pass on this opportunity. Lin would benefit from a full offseason and finally develop a chemistry with Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire on the offensive end of the floor. He'd also offer the Knicks yet another presence on the perimeter that teams must account for.

After all, Carmelo Anthony can't do it all by himself. Eight career playoff appearances with first-round exits will testify to that.