Knicks’ search for point guard depth goes full circle with Lin interest.
The New York Knicks are reportedly interested in bringing back former star Jeremy Lin and will attempt to discuss a deal with the Houston Rockets ahead of the trade deadline on Thursday.
According to ESPN’s Chad Ford who spoke with Bill Simmons on the Grantland Podcast, the Knicks are supposedly set to target their former point guard in order to strengthen their backcourt options.
Over the past few weeks, New York have identified the point guard position as an area of weakness with Raymond Felton arguably falling short of expectations with a lack of productive alternatives on the bench.
That search has linked them with Toronto Raptors star Kyle Lowry, but it appears as though the Toronto wish to keep hold of him until the end of the season as they look to make a deep run in the playoffs.
As a result, the Knicks have been forced to divert their attention elsewhere, but with a lack of tradable assets, they are struggling to find the right deal.
It is understood that numerous teams have asked for Tim Hardaway Jr. to be included in any trade deal, or alternatively some future first-round draft picks. New York are not willing to allow their rookie to leave while they lack draft picks which inevitably puts them in a difficult spot in negotiations.
Lin’s departure from New York in 2012 was accepted a prudent measure from a financial standpoint, but given his popularity with the team’s fans, it was a move that was also criticised.
Since leaving, the 25-year-old has settled into a Sixth Man role in Houston and is averaging 13.3 points and 4.5 assists per game, but his return would undoubtedly lift spirits in the city as the Knicks continue to loiter outside of the playoffs spots with a 20-33 record.
Nevertheless, it is unclear at this stage as to how quickly a deal could be agreed on, and whether or not the Rockets see it as a move that could benefit them in return.
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