New York Knicks Secure Raymond Felton. Jeremy Lin Headed To Houston?
Raymond Felton’s agent confirmed on Saturday night that his client would be traded from Portland to New York, an announcement that has led to speculation that the franchise could part ways with point guard Jeremy Lin.
Jeremy Lin has already signed an offer sheet with the Houston Rockets however Knicks management previously has said they would not allow their 2011 breakout star to simply walk away from the team. The third year of Lin’s offer from the Houston Rockets will pay him $15 million. With the Knicks now securing the services of Felton and Jason Kidd they could choose to save some cash and pass on their breakout star.
During his half a season of play in New York Raymond Felton played well, averaging 17.1 points per game. Felton was eventually traded to Denver during the Carmelo Anthony package in February 2011. During the last season with the Portland Trail Blazers Felton struggled, averaging just 11.4 points per game while shooting 40.7 percent from the field.
Had the Knicks failed to secure the services of Jason Kidd the Felton trade would have ensured a veteran backup for Jeremy Lin.
Coach Mike Woodson has been adamant over the last several weeks that Jeremy Lin remain with the franchise as the New York Knicks starting point guard. The New York Knicks will now have until 11:59 p.m. EDT Tuesday to match the offer.
New York did lose guard Landry Fields on Saturday after he chose to sign a three-year, $20 million deal with the Toronto Raptors.
After choosing to leave the team Landry tweeted:
I want to thank ALL the Knick fans out there for their support over the past two years! Much love and respect, you will be missed! #NYK
— Landry Fields (@landryfields) July 15, 2012
During his breakout season Jeremy Lin, an undrafted guard from Harvard managed to score 17.9 points per game in 27 contests. Lin was eventually sidelined to fix a tear to the cartilage in his knee.
Dubbed “Linsation” he is the league’s first America-born player of Chinese or Taiwanese decent.
