Jeremy Lin Returning to the Knicks Despite Rumors, GM Glen Grunwald Hints
Jeremy Lin, New York Knicks point guard who seemed unsure of his return to the team next season after suffering a season-ending injury to his knee in March, should return to the team next season according to general manager Glen Grunwald.
Despite rumors that the team would work to pursue veteran point guard Steve Nash, Grunwald said the team has the ability to keep the 23-year-old Lin and wants to do so.
"We can keep him if we want him, and we do want to keep him," Grunwald said in Newsday report. "I believe that Jeremy had a great experience here and I believe he wants to come back. So that's where that is."
Lin, who will become a restricted free agent July 1, has been the topic of conversation since various teams have been in talks to acquire the point guard at $5.5 million for the 2012-13 season. Before Grunwald's comments regarding the point guard, Lin seemed unsure about his destination next season.
"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 earlier this month. "I love the Knicks and the organization. But at the same time, it's a business."
Still, coach Mike Woodson who has recently signed a deal with the team that will take away his interim title, has always been sure that Lin would return next season. After the Knicks lost in the first round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat, Woodson spoke about the importance of having Lin on the team.
"(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 earlier this month. "Will he be back next year? Absolutely. He's a big part of our ballclub."
