Should the Knicks have extend Jeremy Lin's stay in the Big Apple?
Ernest Hemingway famously said that New York City is "a town you come to for a short time." Although this may apply to many, Knicks fans are wishing it didn't pertain to Lin. So many wanted the exciting point guard to keep playing his home games at Madison Square Garden that a petition was gaining signatures even as the midnight deadline approached for the Knicks to match a hefty offer from the Houston Rockets.
Whether the reason was some newfound fiscal responsibility in the front office or old-fashioned James Dolan egoism, the Knicks decided not to match the deal offered by Houston. Lin will be playing for the Rockets. What do you think?
While the decision to pass on re-signing Lin may not be a popular one among fans (and retailers), some might argue that the Knicks are better off. The Rockets offered Lin a three-year deal worth $25 million, nearly $15 million alone in just the third year. If New York were to match, according to Business Insider, it could actually cost them more than double that in the final year of the deal in luxury tax penalties.
Sure, Lin was spectacular for nearly three weeks in February. But he only played in 35 total games (started in 25), averaging 14.6 points and 6.2 assists per game. Perhaps Lin's sample size was just to small to invest $25 million. With the additions of Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton, the Knicks may have a solid backcourt tandem even without Lin, who missed the Knicks brief playoff run due to injury. On the other hand, the 23-year-old Lin will be making mid-level money for the first two years of the deal and has shown that he can be a dynamic a lead guard in the right situation.
Given the passionate nature of fans in New York and the Linsane reactions Lin generated, there will likely be people arguing ardently on both sides. Where do you stand?