Could Jeremy Lin Move to Toronto?
Jeremy Lin may have risen to popularity while playing as the New York Knicks starting point guard in February, but some are questioning whether the Toronto Raptors are looking to acquire the Asian-American athlete once he becomes a restricted free agent in July.
Although the Raptors are reportedly looking to acquire 38-year-old veteran and Canada native Steve Nash when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, some are saying that Lin may be their second option. League sources reportedly told the New York Daily News that the Knicks may be working to land Nash next season, which would prompt the Raptors to take Lin off of New York's hands since the two athletes play the same position.
"Toronto will be in direct competition with the Knicks for Steve Nash," the Daily News reports. "But Nash is expected to look to sign with a bona fide contender, and the Knicks and Raptors don't fit that description. The Raptors are also a potential landing spot for Jeremy Lin."
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Although Lin has been lauded in New York this season, the 23-year-old guard did not seem so sure about his place on the team.
"Nothing is set in stone. That's what I've learned. We talked about (my free agency)," Lin said in a New York Daily News report last week. "I love the Knicks and the organization. But at the same time, it's a business."
Raptors fans took to Twitter to speak about their excitement about the opportunity of acquiring Lin.
"I can see one team Jeremy Lin being a star at, the Toronto Raptors," a fan tweeted. "He'd be perfect to sign there."
However, Nash recently signed on to become the general manager of the senior men's national team for Canada Basketball which led some fans to believe that his next move would be the Raptors.
"Congrats to Steve Nash. New GM of Canada Basketball," a fan tweeted. "Tons of talent north of the border believe me. Next stop -- Nash to Raptors -- book it."
Although neither Nash nor Lin have made an announcement concerning their destinations next year, it seems the Knicks are not ready to let go of "Linsanity" just yet.
"(Lin) has started for our team and he has played well for our basketball team. But this summer will be very pivotal for him in terms of his improvement and the future is very bright for him," Woodson told reporters after the Knicks exited the playoffs in a first-round defeat on May 9. "Will he be back next year? Absolutely. He's a big part of our ball club."
