Jeremy Lin and David Lee (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The New York Knicks have been rumored to have plenty of familiar names in their free agency list, which includes Jeremy Lin and David Lee.
The Knicks could be looking at their ex-players this summer, when they attempt to bolster their lineup after another misguided season. New York will have plenty of names in their free agency radar, which could feature Lin and Lee heading back into the Big Apple, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post.
"Linsanity would love a New York return - even if Anthony wouldn't. The Knicks didn't chase him last summer, but their point guard needs are severe," Berman wrote.
"He still [Lee] spends time in New York in the offseason and didn't rule out a summer signing. The Knicks could use Lee's rebounding scrap after Kyle O'Quinn failed to show he's a rotation player on a playoff team."
Lin, who is expected to opt out of his contract with the Charlotte Hornets this summer, had his breakthrough performance during his stint with the Knicks in the 2011-2012 season, taking over New York with "Linsanity." The 27-year-old from Harvard recorded his best numbers with the Knicks, averaging 14.6 points and 6.2 assists albeit on limited games.
A return to the Knicks would once again be phenomenal for Lin and all of his fan-base in New York. While Lin has revealed he is open to wearing a Knicks jersey again, the feeling is not mutual, with New York reportedly uninterested in bringing back the Hornets point guard.
"I've always been open to it, ever since I, you know, I don't want to say I necessarily left, ever since (they decided they didn't want to re-sign me)," Lin disclosed in Hornets' preseason game against the Knicks last year. "But I've always been open to it. But I don't think they're as open to it."
But the Knicks declining to bring back Lin was the moment the team thought their point guard options would be good enough to carry New York into the playoffs. The Knicks are in dire need of a point guard for next season and Lin could certainly be one of their targets.
On the other hand, Lee was also an essential part of the Knicks roster back when the Dallas Mavericks forward was averaging a double-double in points and rebounds in the 2008-09 and 2009-10 season. But Lee, who started his career with the Knicks, was also neglected to be part of the team's future trading him to the Golden State Warriors, which gave him a chance to win an NBA championship.
Like Lin, Lee also revealed that he is open to a return with the Knicks, although it remains to be seen whether there is mutual interests between him and New York.
"[It's] something we even discussed in the buyout process - had a conversation with them," Lee told the New York Post. "I'll have some good choices. I'm looking forward to playing three, four more years. I feel my body feels as healthy as ever."
Lee would be a good addition for the Knicks in terms of inside scoring and rebounding. However, the 32-year-old big man would likely come off the bench for the Knicks, who are inclined to continue developing Kristaps Porzingis.
Whether Lin and Lee would still sustain the same interest of playing with the Knicks remains to be seen, but it is somewhat clear that New York is their top destination if all parties come up with the right terms.
