NBA Rumors: Jeremy Lin Must Stop Hoping Knicks Match Rockets Offer Sheet

Jeremy Lin needs to face the simple fact that it’s highly unlikely the New York Knicks will match the Houston Rockets' offer sheet.

The restricted free agent is likely on his way to H-Town in exchange for a three-year, $25+ million contract. GM Daryl Morey offered a contract that would pay Lin $5 million next season, $5.225 million in 2013-14 and a “ridiculous” $14.8 million in the third year, according to Ian Begley of ESPN New York.

Ridiculous is quoted, as teammate Carmelo Anthony called the poison pill third-year exactly that, according to a report by Chuck Schilken of the Los Angeles Times.

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“It's up to the organization to say they want to match that ridiculous contract that's out there," Anthony told reporters Sunday before practice with the U.S. Olympic team.

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With New York acquiring two new point guards—Raymond Felton via a sign-and-trade with Portland and Jason Kidd through free agency—it’s now apparent that Lin is the odd man out.

Marc Berman of the New York Post reported that Lin told his high school coach and other confidants that he wanted the Knicks to match and to continue playing in the Big Apple.

The Knicks cannot reasonably afford to match that offer, as it would cripple their cap maneuverability after two seasons.

Lin must acknowledge this, accept it and be grateful that Houston is willing to make him one of the highest-paid point guards in the league after just 25 games as a starter.

Unfortunately, it seems that the 23-year-old is reluctant to bring Linsanity to Houston.

His combination of basketball skills, improbable rise to fame and marketability as a star with Asian-American heritage has never been seen before in the NBA and may never be again.

The Rockets were wise to capitalize on this and make a strong play to land the unique young man.

Lin should be happy to go to an organization that covets him and must embrace Houston.