Houston Rockets point guard Jeremy Lin could find himself back to the Big Apple where his famous Linsanity moment happened during the 2011-12 NBA season.
ESPN insider Chad Ford revealed that the New York Knicks are very interested in re-acquiring Lin from the Rockets despite ongoing trade discussions that could send either Boston Celtics All-Star Rajon Rondo or Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague to the Big Apple.
"We've heard about them going after a point guard such as Kyle Lowry, Jeff Teague. I know another guy they'd love to get their hands on right now, and that's Jeremy Lin," Ford revealed during a podcast session with fellow NBA analyst Bill Simmons.
Getting Lin back from Houston will be easier said than done though as the Rockets appear unwilling to move key assets just for the sake of freeing up salary cap space.
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Previous reports indicated that the Rockets want young assets or future picks in any trade involving Lin or disgruntled center Omer Asik, who is also reportedly on the trading block again.
But according to Ford, a well respected NBA analyst, the Knicks could entice the Rockets to trade Lin if they would include either Iman Shumpert or rookie guard Tim Hardaway Jr. in the deal.
Yahoo Sports recently reported that Knicks are aggressively shopping Lin in hopes of finding a taker for his "poison pill" back-loaded contract before Thursday's trade deadline.
"And the question is, would Houston do it? I know the word is no, but maybe, to get out of that contract. Maybe if Iman Shumpert and Tim Hardaway Jr. are in the deal. Maybe," Ford stressed.
However, responding to Ford's statement, Simmons said that the Knicks appear unwilling to give away Shumpert and Hardaway Jr. because they view both guards as major rebuilding pieces.
But Ford quickly responded that the Knicks could be forced to part ways with either of the two young players in hopes of finding a quick fix to their woes this season.
The Knicks are reportedly getting desperate to make improvements to their roster to convince superstar Carmelo Anthony to re-sign with the team when he hits free agency this summer.
"They want a point guard. They want something to shake this up. That's someone that they would like," Ford stressed.
Lin could be a quick fix for the Knicks. The former Harvard University standout is averaging 13.3 points to go along with 4.5 assist and 2.6 rebounds per game this season.
