Knicks guard Jeremy Lin has withdrawn from the USA Men’s Select Team that will train July 6-11 against the U.S Olympic Team in Las Vegas because of his contract status.
Lin informed USA Basketball this afternoon he was withdrawing, which had been widely speculated. Last week, Lin’s new agent refused to confirm he would play.
A source said Lin still may show up in Las Vegas to watch.
“Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to participate in the 2012 USA Men’s Select Team this summer,” said Lin. “It was such an incredible honor to be selected, but I have withdrawn my name from the team because of my status as a free agent. I hope to have the opportunity to participate with USA Basketball at some point in the future.”
Lin has not received an offer from the Knicks, who are remaining patient as they see what his market value is. The Knicks are saying they will match any offer, even if an under-the-cap team gives him a backloaded offer in the third and fourth years equaling a combined $30M. However, it would be a major hit to their luxury-tax situation.